Abstract
Within Communication Accommodation Theory, social power is an important influence upon the likelihood of accommodation in communicative behaviours. Across two studies, we explore if the influence of power extends to a non-conscious aspect of accommodation, linguistic style, and to computer mediated forms of communication. We manipulated social power experimentally to create a series of instant messaging conversations between high and low power participants. Low power induced greater likelihood of linguistic style accommodation, whilst in a low versus high power role (study 1) and when participants undertook both roles (study 2). Notably, linguistic style accommodation by individuals in a high power role ‘backfired’: greater accommodation was associated with a negative impression formed by their conversational partner. The results show robust effects of power in shaping language use across CMC. Further, the interpersonal effects of linguistic accommodation depend upon a complex interplay of social context, social norms, and the communication medium.
Original language | English |
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Publication status | Published - 2016 |
Event | 66th International Communication Association Annual Conference - Japan, Fukuoka, Japan Duration: 9 Jun 2016 → 13 Jun 2016 |
Conference
Conference | 66th International Communication Association Annual Conference |
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Country/Territory | Japan |
City | Fukuoka |
Period | 9/06/16 → 13/06/16 |
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English Speed Networking Conversational Transcripts LDC2016T16
Muir, K. (Creator), Joinson, A. (Creator), Cotterill, R. (Creator) & Dewdney, N. (Creator), Linguistic Data Consortium, 15 Jul 2016
DOI: 10.35111/eg86-k634, https://catalog.ldc.upenn.edu/LDC2016T16
Dataset