ABSTRACT
This chapter examines communicative convergence and affiliation as foreign language (FL) interlocutors find ways to ‘bridge’ cross-cultural gaps in TL interaction. This can be achieved through accommodation and convergence as FL interactants develop and maintain rapport by ‘bridging’ supportiveness and solidarity gaps in an attempt to share the same attitudes or demonstrate sympathy and empathy and in trying to narrow interpersonal distances between themselves. Development of rapport can be understood cross-culturally in terms of appreciation and celebration (Aston, 1993) which is often expressed through gossipy talk, language play and interpersonal narratives. To understand and build on the viewpoints and experiences of FL interlocutors themselves, I present the findings from the questionnaires where participants were asked to reflect on TL interaction in general and specifically on their possible enjoyment and celebration when engaging in TL small talk.
