ABSTRACT
With deep roots in the social psychology of language, Howard Giles’ communication accommodation theory (CAT) is, perhaps, the foremost theory guiding theoretical and practical understanding of the role of language and communication in creating, maintaining, and negotiating identity and interpersonal relationships in everyday interactions. At its core, CAT helps us to understand how micro- and macro-shifts in language and communication, such as word choice, accent, and tone of voice, move people closer together (enhance perceptions of affiliation) or draw people apart (accentuate perceptions of difference). Our task is to provide a systematic review of the ways in which CAT has contributed to our understanding of human relating, especially within interpersonal contexts. First, we offer an overview of the theory, including its theoretical scope, heuristic value, and the broad empirical support it has received (see Giles, 2016; Zhang & Giles, 2018). Second, we present a historical genealogy of CAT in terms of its conceptual development and unique contributions to understanding interpersonal communication and relationships. Third, we situate CAT relative to other theoretical constructs of interpersonal communication including communication competence, relationship formation and maintenance, conflict management, and the “bright side” and positive potential of communication accommodation.
