Accommodation Theory

Accommodation Theory explains how people adjust their communication styles to relate better with others. When someone adapts their speech—such as changing their language, tone, or pace—it's often to either seem more similar to or distinguish themselves from the conversation partner. This can help build rapport or assert identity. The theory highlights the dynamic nature of communication, showing that people subtly modify how they speak based on social context, goals, and relationships, aiming for effective and harmonious interaction.