Gile's Communication Accommodation Theory
Can be upward, downward or mutual (same level)
Convergence - when a person amends their language to speak to others, to reduce social differences. "Mirroring" the way they speak. Divergence - exaggerate own language, accent/dialect to emphasise social difference
For example: Professor: "This Viking bling" --> downward converging to build rapport
Normally, divergence is much rarer than convergence in texts
Code Switching
Code switching is changing the way you speak to accommodate circumstances/context like CAT's convergence
- Topic specific discourse - when specific language is necessary
- Quoting - to quote someone
- Solidarity and gratitude - to build rapport
- Clarification - to help people understand
- Group identity - affiliation with a group
- Softening/strengthening commands - emphasising requests
- Lexical need - need for technical phrases
- Unconscious use - spontaneous use
- Fitting in - blend in surroundings
- Gaining advantages/avoiding bias - get a better deal
- Secrecy - allows private communication in public settings