Willingness to Communicate, Multilingualism and Interactions in Community Contexts

This book explores the willingness to communicate (WTC) of individuals who migrate, focusing on communication behaviors and language choice in multilingual community contexts. It demonstrates the dynamic nature of WTC and sheds light on processes that affect communication, migration, and well-being.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 10 October 2023
Publisher: Multilingual Matters

This comprehensive book delves into an in-depth qualitative longitudinal study that explores the willingness to communicate (WTC) of individuals who have transitioned from one cultural or linguistic context to establish a new life in another. It examines the intricate dynamics of communication behaviors and language choices within multilingual community settings, highlighting the profound influence of past communication experiences on even the most seemingly mundane communication events. By employing a complexity lens and presenting a revised 3D pyramid model, the authors shed light on the dynamic nature of WTC and unveil the intricate processes that shape communication, migration, and overall well-being. This book holds significant appeal to researchers interested in exploring individual differences through context-sensitive and temporally focused designs.

The study conducted for this book involved a qualitative longitudinal approach, which allowed for a deep understanding of the participants' experiences and perspectives. The research was conducted over an extended period, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the changes and developments in the participants' WTC over time. The study focused on a diverse group of individuals who had left their home countries through various migration channels, including immigration, refugee resettlement, and voluntary migration.

The findings of the study revealed that WTC is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that is influenced by a wide range of factors, including cultural background, language proficiency, social networks, and individual personality traits. The participants demonstrated a range of communication behaviors, including the use of multiple languages, code-switching, and the adaptation of communication styles to different contexts.

One of the key findings of the study was the importance of language choice in shaping WTC. The participants often chose to use their native language or a language that was widely spoken in their new community to facilitate communication and establish a sense of belonging. However, language choice was not always straightforward, and the participants faced challenges such as language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and the loss of linguistic proficiency.

The study also highlighted the role of emotions in shaping WTC. The participants' emotions, such as anxiety, stress, and hope, played a significant role in their communication behaviors and language choices. For example, individuals who were experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety may choose to communicate in a more indirect or cautious manner, while individuals who were feeling hopeful or optimistic may be more open and expressive in their communication.

Another important finding of the study was the significance of social networks in facilitating WTC. The participants relied on their social networks, including family, friends, and community members, to provide support, information, and a sense of belonging in their new communities. Social networks played a crucial role in helping individuals navigate the challenges of migration, such as language barriers, cultural differences, and social isolation.

The study also examined the impact of migration on WTC and identified several factors that contributed to the development of WTC. These factors included acculturation, which refers to the process of adapting to a new culture and language, and social integration, which refers to the process of building relationships and connections in a new community. Acculturation and social integration were found to be important predictors of WTC, and individuals who were able to successfully acculturate and integrate into their new communities were more likely to develop strong WTC.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the field of WTC research by examining the dynamics of communication behaviors and language choices within multilingual community contexts. The study highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of WTC and emphasizes the importance of considering individual differences, cultural backgrounds, and social networks in understanding communication behaviors. The book's use of a complexity lens and revised 3D pyramid model provides a useful framework for understanding the dynamic nature of WTC and sheds new light on processes that affect communication, migration, and well-being. This book will be of interest to researchers seeking to explore individual differences using context-sensitive and temporally focused designs.

Weight: 650g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800411944