80 Part 1 Basic Communication Processesc Language reflects context. The language we use reflects who we’re around,
where we are, and what sort of cultural factors are at play—that is, the
context we’re in. In different contexts, we use different speech repertoires–
sets of complex language styles, behaviors, and skills that we have learned.
Recall from the beginning of this chapter that we need to “accommodate”
our communication (that is, adjust our way of speaking with other peo-
ple). Having several speech repertoires at our disposal allows us to choose
the most effective and appropriate way of speaking for a given relationship,
situation, or cultural environment.c Language builds on context. At the beginning of this chapter, we wondered
about the difference between calling your stepmother “Mom” versus calling
her by her first name. It’s an example of language building on context. If
your stepmother raised you and is your primary maternal figure, you might
well call her “Mom.” But if your relationship with her is strained, you are
close to your own biological or adopted mother, or your stepmother entered
your life once you were an adult, you may prefer to call her by her name. As
you develop relationships, you learn how people prefer to be addressed (and
how you are comfortable addressing them), and you adjust your language
accordingly.
c Language determines context. We can also create context by the language
we use. If your professor says, “Call me Veronica,” one context is created
(informal, first-name basis, more equal). If she says, “I’m Dr. Esquivel,”
you will likely have expectations for a more formal context (less personal,
less equal). This context will then influence your choice of speech reper-
toires—you’re more likely to tell “Veronica” about your weekend plans than
“Dr. Esquivel.”With these points in mind, let’s consider how language works in different situ-
ations, in our relationships, and in our cultures, as well as in mediated settings.Situational Context
Different situations (being at a job interview, in a court of law, or at your
Uncle Fred’s sixtieth birthday party) call for different speech repertoires. Code
switching is a type of accommodation in which communicators change from
one repertoire or “code” to another as the situation warrants. The language you
speak is one type of code. If you speak both English and Spanish, for example,
you might speak English in the classroom or on the job but switch to Span-
ish with your family at home because it creates a special bond between family
members (Gudykunst, 2004).
Another type of code that you may switch is the linguistic style—the use of
slang, jargon, and grammar—that allows you to fit in with a particular group.
These language accommodations may be ways to survive, to manage defensiveness,
to manage identity, or to signal power or status in different situations (Dragojevic,
Giles, & Watson, 2013). For instance, police officers use this type of accommo-
dation when they adopt the street slang or foreign phrases used by citizens in theConsider the various situ-
ations you find yourself in
over the course of a given
day—at home, in the class-
room, at a student activity,
on the job, and so on. Do
you have different speech
repertoires for each situa-
tion? Does your language
change further depending
on who is present—your
mother, your best friend,
your professor?AND YOU?