Wrestling With Languages: Informal Interaction and Language Negotiation in a Non-English Dominant Environment

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session and Reception
  In Interactive Paper Session: Intercultural Communication Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

In an interview study, we explored how English speakers interacted with native Mandarin speakers in Taiwanese university settings. International students, who were fluent or near fluent in English, reported finding it difficult to initiate informal communication in Mandarin with Taiwanese students. At the same time, Taiwanese students reported discomfort speaking English. Consequently, opportunities for informal interaction between international and Taiwanese students were minimal. Both groups had low expectations of establishing relationships with each other. In an environment where two dominant languages are in competition, an awareness of linguistic diversity and knowledge of cultural variation can be helpful to resolve the dilemma in multilingual interaction.

Authors

• Chien Wen Yuan, Cornell University

• Leslie Setlock, Cornell U

• Susan R Fussell, Cornell U