ERIC Number: ED378836
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1994-Jul
Pages: 32
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Linguistic and Cultural Factors in Service Interactions.
Malcolm, Ian G.
Two distinct but related studies are reported, both investigating linguistically- and culturally-based communication problems between service providers and service seekers in Australia. The first examined language problems occurring in naturalistic situations involving a public servant and a client within three public agencies, the departments of taxation, immigration/ethnic affairs, and social security. Data were gathered ethnographically, through non-participant observation supported by note-taking and, where appropriate and permitted, by recording and interview. Analysis revealed distinct communication error patterns: sound-related linguistic lacunas; grammar-related linguistic lacunas; meaning-related linguistic lacunas; communication-related cultural lacunas; situation-related cultural lacunas; and identity-related cultural lacunas. Explanations and examples are offered for each category. A second study examined service-type interactions occurring for non-English-speaking-background (NESB) students at Edith Cowan University (Australia), reported in less detail but indicating contrasts in the two communication situations, particularly in the use of communication strategies by both NESB students and instructors. (MSE)
Descriptors: College Environment, Communication Problems, Counselor Client Relationship, Cultural Differences, English (Second Language), Error Analysis (Language), Foreign Countries, Government Employees, Grammar, Helping Relationship, Higher Education, Intercultural Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Language Role, Limited English Speaking, Phonology, Public Agencies, Self Concept, Semantics
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A