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Miscommunication in native/nonnative conversation*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 December 2008

Evangeline Marlos Varonis and
Susan M. Gass
Evangeline Marlos Varonis
Affiliation:
Department of Linguistics, University of Michigan
Susan M. Gass
Affiliation:
Department of Linguistics, University of Michigan
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Abstract

In this paper we discuss miscommunication in exchanges between native speakers and nonnative speakers of a language, focusing on an analysis of a service encounter telephone conversation between a nonnative speaker and a native speaker television repair shop employee. We present a goal-based model of conversation and a coding system for interpreting utterances, both of which are necessary for understanding the type of miscommunication which occurred in the conversation described herein. We argue that the lack of shared background on the part of the interlocutors interacted with their lack of shared linguistic code. In general, such interactions hinder successful communication and increase the probability that the miscommunication will not be recognized and thus not easily resolved. We show that a complete analysis of native/nonnative conversations must minimally invoke notions of correct interpretation, confidence in interpretation, goals of a conversation, shared beliefs, and linguistic as well as cultural systems. (Sociolinguistics, nonnative interactions, conversational analysis, American English)

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Type
Articles
Information
Language in Society , Volume 14 , Issue 3 , September 1985, pp. 327 - 343
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1985

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