Open AccessDescriptions of Difficult Conversations between Native and Non-Native English Speakers: In-group Membership and Helping Behaviors
Author(s) -
Ray Young,
William V. Faux
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the qualitative report
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.335
H-Index - 35
ISSN - 2160-3715
DOI - 10.46743/2160-3715/2011.1067
Subject(s) - respondent , conversation , first language , psychology , linguistics , perception , native american , thematic analysis , task (project management) , social psychology , communication , qualitative research , sociology , political science , anthropology , philosophy , management , neuroscience , law , economics
This study illustrated the perceptions of native English speakers about difficult conversations with non-native English speakers. A total of 114 native English speakers enrolled in undergraduate communication courses at a regional state university answered a questionnaire about a recent difficult conversation the respondent had with a non-native English speaker. A thematic analysis of their responses revealed that helping occurred when the non-native speaker was considered to be a customer, in-group member, or "fellow human being." Helping behavior was characterized by actions that fostered understanding between the interactants and aided the non-native speaker in completion of a task or goal. Non-helping occurred when the non-native speaker was considered to be an out-group member violating role expectations or cultural norms.