Language Convergence and Meaning Divergence: A Theory of Intercultural Communication

Abstract

Meaning lies at the core of intercultural communication. The ways in which meanings are made and the differences in meanings form a core problematic for intercultural communication. Yet intercultural communication theorists have yet to systematically explore the processes by which language and meanings converge and diverge within and across particular cultural milieus. The goal of the present analytical essay is to move the theory of language convergence/meaning divergence (LC/MD) into the intercultural communication realm. LC/MD processes discussed in the analysis include language convergence, meaning divergence through meaning clusters and meaning fragments, and the illusion of shared meanings. To illustrate ways in which LC/MD can be utilized by intercultural communication scholars, cults and morality as foreign policy are analyzed.

Keywords:

• Language Convergence/Meaning Divergence
• Meaning
• Illusion of Shared Meaning
• Othering

Notes

1. We are grateful to the anonymous reviewer who made us aware of this point.

2. While no date is given in the 9/11 Commission Report itself, the year of publication was 2004.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Debbie S. Dougherty

Debbie S. Dougherty is Associate Professor at the Department of Communication, University of Missouri, USA

Sacheen K. Mobley

Sacheen K. Mobley is Assistant Professor of Communication, Department of English, University of Puerto Rico currently affiliated with the Department of Communication, University of Missouri, USA

Siobhan E. Smith

Siobhan E. Smith is affiliated with the Department of Communication, University of Missouri, USA