Language Convergence and Meaning Divergence: A Meaning Centered Communication Theory

Dougherty, Debbie S.; Kramer, Michael W.; Klatzke, Stephanie R.; Rogers, Teddy K. K.

doi:10.1080/03637750802378799

Cited by 39 publications

(75 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…Importantly, is research focusing on processes of linguistic divergence and=or convergence (Giles, Bourhis, & Taylor, 1977). But as Dougherty, Kramer, Klatzke, and Rogers (2009) illustrate, while linguistic convergence has received much theoretical attention (see Bormann, 1996;Pearce & Cronen, 1980), little attention has been paid to the study of linguistic divergence. While the goal of communication often is considered to be an attempt to establish shared (or convergent) meanings, it is equally important to attend to instances where divergence might occur.…”

Section: Theoretical Rationalementioning

confidence: 98%

“…The Language Convergence-Meaning Divergence Theory (LCMD) (Dougherty et al, 2009) is one such platform that directs attention to these interactions whereby ''meaning systems diverge, while converging on the same set of symbols'' (p. 21). Although research emphasizes the ways individuals create shared meaning through talk, this theory examines how meanings may diverge through talk.…”

Section: Theoretical Rationalementioning

confidence: 99%

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Holiday Greeting Rituals as Expressions of Ambivalence and Indifference Toward Social Change

Bruscella

2014

Western Journal of Communication

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Social change often is positioned as the gradual acceptance of one set of dominant ideas over another. Ambivalence and indifference, however, also play an important role in the development of social change. Participants in this study discussed their use of common holiday greeting rituals and their reasons for using one greeting over another. Through constant comparative analysis, it was revealed that practicing American Christians undesirably challenge social change, desirably support it, see it as inevitable and therefore regard it with ambivalence, or see social change as irrelevant and meet it with indifference. Importantly, the way individuals experience social change has direct and observable implications on patterns of talk, thus affecting the nature of social change over time.A common misconception held by the American public is that the US is moving down a path of complete secularization because Christianity, representing the once prevailing set of ideals, is in the decline. While a decrease in religious attendance might be occurring in Western Europe, other global trends suggest that religion still ''enters prominently into the public sphere,'' especially in the US

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Section: Theoretical Rationalementioning

confidence: 98%

Section: Theoretical Rationalementioning

confidence: 99%

Holiday Greeting Rituals as Expressions of Ambivalence and Indifference Toward Social Change

Bruscella

2014

Western Journal of Communication

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“…Communication theory is used as the theoretical entry point for this thesis, defining communication as a constitutive practice (Craig 1999;Carey 2009;Linell 2009;Fiske 2011). This view is typically associated with the interaction paradigm, which acknowledges the interactive and boundless nature of communication and focuses on meaning as a central aspect of communication (McQuail 1985;Heath & Bryant 1992;Dougherty et al 2009;Fiske 2011). The interaction paradigm is understood in contrast to a communication paradigm that conceptualizes communication as a transmission of information that focuses on the transmission of a message from a source to a receiver (Delia 1987;Jensen & Rosengren 1990;Heath & Bryant 1992;Rogers 1997;Carey 2009;Linell 2009Fiske 2011.…”

Section: Theoretical Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Visualiseringens roller i klimatkommunikation – ett mottagarperspektiv

Ballantyne

2018

Linköping Studies in Arts and Sciences

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Linköping Studies in Arts and Sciences  No. 744 At the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Linköping University, research and doctoral studies are carried out within broad problem areas. Research is organized in interdisciplinary research environments and doctoral studies mainly in graduate schools. Jointly, they publish the series Linköping Studies in Arts and Sciences. This thesis comes from the Department of Thematic Studies-Environmental Change.

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“…The meaning-centered communication theory of Language Convergence/ Meaning Divergence (LC/MD) (Dixon & Dougherty, 2014;Dougherty, Kramer, Klatzke, & Rogers, 2009;Dougherty, Mobley, & Smith, 2010) was used to develop interview questions and guide analysis. The theory of LC/ MD was designed to assist in examining communication of meaning, especially when common meanings might be assumed incorrectly (Dougherty et al, 2009). Furthermore, LC/MD is based in grounded theory, where concentration is placed on participants' own words and meanings.…”

Section: Conceptual Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Patient Safety Communication Among Differently Educated Nurses: Converging and Diverging Meaning Systems

2017

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Studies that suggest an increased number of bachelor's prepared nurses (BSNs) at the bedside improves patient safety do not stratify their samples into traditional bachelor's and associates (ADN) to BSN graduates. This qualitative study investigated potential differences in patient safety meaning among BSNs and ADN to BSN graduates. Guided by the theory of Language Convergence/Meaning Divergence, interview data from eight BSN and eight ADN to BSN graduates were analyzed. Findings indicate there are two meaning levels or systems, the local level and the systemic level. At the local level, the meaning of patient safety is focused at the patient's bedside and regulated by the nurse. The systemic level included the notion that health system factors such as policies and staffing are paramount to keeping patients safe. More frequently, ADN to BSN graduates' meaning of patient safety was at the local level, while BSNs' meaning centered at the systemic level.

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Language Convergence and Meaning Divergence: A Meaning Centered Communication Theory

Cited by 39 publications

References 31 publications

Holiday Greeting Rituals as Expressions of Ambivalence and Indifference Toward Social Change

Holiday Greeting Rituals as Expressions of Ambivalence and Indifference Toward Social Change

Visualiseringens roller i klimatkommunikation – ett mottagarperspektiv

Patient Safety Communication Among Differently Educated Nurses: Converging and Diverging Meaning Systems

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