ABSTRACT
This study explores the different feelings associated with coaching golf in a second language. Cultural frame switching occurs when bicultural individuals move between interpretive frames. Bicultural-bilinguals may be perceived differently by their interlocutors, depending on the language selection. Monolingual coaches cannot rely heavily on the spoken word, unless translators are used. Three studies were conducted with native English-speaking bicultural-bilingual coaches, monocultural-monolingual coaches, and their students in China. Data was collected from semi-structured interviews. The key finding is that in their second language, coaches felt more nervous, stressed, and under pressure, resulting in an increased degree of frustration and a less relaxed state. The importance of condensing and simplifying dialogue emerged. Language mistakes had minimal negative effects, so long as coaches used a consistent ‘blanket’ vocabulary. Results reflect a shift towards decreased use of verbal communication, with a commensurate increase in non-verbal communication and the use of visual training aids. The monocultural-monolingual coaches relied on slow, simple dialogue, with frequent repetition and clarification with an emphasis on not only training the translator, but also developing a good rapport with them. The student participants noted greater use of visual examples with less dialogue. A comprehensive understanding of cultural nuances and variances in communication style was regarded as critical for minimizing misunderstandings.
