TEORI AKOMODASI KOMUNIKASI

Summary

This video explores the concept of Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT), introduced by Howard Giles in 1971. The theory explains how individuals adapt their communication behaviors, such as language, accent, and nonverbal cues, to align with others for mutual understanding. It delves into three key strategies: convergence, divergence, and over-accommodation. CAT also highlights the role of social identity and cultural background in communication, with factors like prejudice, ethnocentrism, and uncertainty influencing interactions. The theory provides insights into interpersonal communication and offers strategies for addressing conflicts, ultimately aiming for more effective cross-cultural dialogue.

Takeaways

• 😀 Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) was introduced by Howard Giles in 1971 to explain how individuals adjust their communication behaviors to achieve mutual understanding.
• 😀 CAT focuses on how people modify their speech, accent, and behavior to fit in with others from different cultural backgrounds.
• 😀 The theory highlights the importance of adjusting communication to form positive impressions and maintain social harmony.
• 😀 Convergence, divergence, and over-accommodation are the key strategies in CAT, where convergence means adapting to others, divergence means emphasizing differences, and over-accommodation refers to excessive adjustment.
• 😀 CAT assumes that every conversation involves both similarities and differences in behavior, and identity and experience influence how people communicate.
• 😀 The theory suggests that language and non-verbal behaviors reveal information about an individual's social status and group membership.
• 😀 CAT proposes that interpersonal communication is influenced by motivations, such as a desire for acceptance or shared beliefs.
• 😀 The theory emphasizes the role of identity in communication, suggesting that individuals adjust their behavior to align with groups or communities they identify with.
• 😀 The four assumptions of CAT include: 1) all conversations involve both similarities and differences, 2) identity and experience shape communication, 3) beliefs influence accommodation, and 4) language and behavior provide social cues.
• 😀 The barriers to communication accommodation include prejudice, ethnocentrism, alienation, and uncertainty, all of which can hinder successful communication between individuals from different backgrounds.
• 😀 CAT offers practical strategies for managing communication conflicts and fostering better understanding, although it does not address conflicts involving individuals who do not engage in rational communication.

Q & A

What is the Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT)?

The Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT), proposed by Howard Giles in 1971, explains how people adjust their communication behaviors in response to others to achieve mutual understanding. It highlights how individuals modify their language, accent, and behavior during communication to adapt to cultural and social differences.

Why is communication accommodation important in cross-cultural interactions?

Communication accommodation is essential in cross-cultural interactions because it helps individuals bridge cultural differences by adjusting communication behaviors, such as language or non-verbal cues. This adjustment is key to ensuring effective communication and mutual understanding between individuals from different cultural backgrounds.

What are the key assumptions of Communication Accommodation Theory?

The four key assumptions of CAT are: 1) Similarities and differences exist in all conversations. 2) Identity and experiences determine how much individuals accommodate others. 3) Language and behavior provide information about social status and group membership. 4) Accommodation varies depending on personal, situational, and cultural contexts.

What are the main types of communication accommodation?

The main types of communication accommodation are: 1) **Convergence**, where individuals adjust their communication styles to become more similar to others, usually due to mutual attraction or shared interests. 2) **Divergence**, where individuals emphasize differences in communication to maintain distinct identities. 3) **Over-accommodation**, where individuals excessively adjust their behavior, often resulting in negative perceptions.

How does CAT explain the process of communication?

CAT explains the process of communication by focusing on how individuals adjust their communication behaviors, such as language, accents, and non-verbal cues, to either align with or differentiate from others. The goal is to facilitate understanding and to manage social identities during interactions.

What role does identity play in communication accommodation?

Identity plays a crucial role in communication accommodation as individuals adjust their communication styles based on their social identity and the perceived identity of others. People are more likely to accommodate those with whom they feel a strong social or cultural connection, while also attempting to maintain their own social identity.

What is over-accommodation, and why is it problematic?

Over-accommodation occurs when an individual excessively adjusts their communication behavior, often with good intentions, but this can come across as patronizing or condescending. It may cause the other person to feel disrespected or lead to a loss of motivation to engage with the new language or culture.

How does CAT predict communication outcomes in different settings?

CAT predicts that individuals will adjust their communication patterns to match the social context and relationship with others. The adjustments are typically motivated by the desire to reduce misunderstandings and to achieve mutual understanding, especially in intercultural interactions.

What factors can hinder communication accommodation?

Several factors can hinder communication accommodation, including: 1) **Prejudices**, where individuals have misconceptions or biases about others. 2) **Ethnocentrism**, the belief that one’s own culture is superior to others. 3) **Alienation**, where people feel disconnected from others. 4) **Uncertainty**, when individuals cannot predict how the communication process will unfold.

Can you provide an example of convergence and divergence from the script?

In the script, **convergence** is demonstrated when Diva and Alif discuss Diva’s curfew, and since they share similar experiences, their conversation aligns. **Divergence** happens when Alif tries to highlight the difference between Diva’s curfew and his own, offering a solution but emphasizing the distinction between their situations.