Howie Giles on Communication Accommodation Theory

About this Video

• Video Title: Howie Giles on Communication Accommodation Theory
• Channel: A First Look at Communication Theory
• Speakers: Howie Giles
• Duration: 00:08:57

Introduction

This video features an interview with Dr. Howie Giles, the creator of Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT). The interview explores the core tenets of CAT, its origins in Giles' personal experiences with accent variation, and its applications in diverse communication contexts, including police interactions and online communication.

Key Takeaways

• CAT's Core Principle: We adapt our communication styles (speech, dress, text) to converge or diverge from others, depending on the social context and goals. The theory examines when, how, why, and the consequences of these adjustments.
• CAT's Origin: Giles' personal experiences with adapting his accent across different social settings (soccer stadium, rugby stadium, university) sparked his interest in developing CAT.
• Subjective vs. Objective Accommodation: CAT distinguishes between perceived accommodation (subjective) and actual accommodation (objective), acknowledging that intended communication adjustments might be misinterpreted. Miscarried accommodation occurs when the intended adjustment is unsuccessful.
• CAT and Police Interactions: In interactions with police, especially during traffic stops, non-accommodative behavior (aggressiveness) is common. Giles advises accommodative behavior (calmness, understanding) to de-escalate tension.
• CAT and Online Communication: While accommodation occurs online, it differs from face-to-face interactions. The anonymity of online communication can sometimes lead to increased divergence due to uncertainty about the other person's identity.