Intercultural language socialization through volunteering: A qualitative study of directive use in nonprofit organizations

This study investigated directive use and the perceptions and experiences of six international L2 users of English during the instruction-giving process in two nonprofit organizations. Authentic conversation data, interviews, and participant observations collected over a one-year time period were examined using the poststructural theoretical framework for second language acquisition as intercultural language socialization. The study examined the use of directives during the instruction-giving and receiving processes between L2 users and their native English speaker supervisors in the volunteer workplace. The study also analyzed instances of complicated and beneficial intercultural communication identified by the participants. Results show L2 users' opportunities for language socialization and language learning were enhanced and constrained through social interaction as well as through a number of other factors. In particular, this study showed that both use of ambiguous directive forms and incomprehensible conversation delivery added to the struggle these L2 users confronted while attempting to establish social relations. Task complexity, multicultural/multilingual group configurations and multiple distractions also contributed to their struggles. Several communication barriers had a negative impact on intercultural language socialization: restraint to engage and inappropriate use of backchannel signals. The study also demonstrates how manipulation of conversation delivery leads to positive outcomes and perceptions of increased comprehension. Findings from the study also show how L2 users challenged unequal social meanings by contributing to conversations with culturally-based communication.;L2 users of English need to participate and use language frequently and consistently during authentic communicative interactions in order to actively integrate new linguistic features into their existing knowledge. They also need to be instructed on how to utilize proactive communicative behavior to harness the language learning potential of intercultural communication mismatches. In addition, English language educators and nonprofit organizations need to consider what can be done to better meet the needs of L2 users. Training should include sensitivity and awareness education concerning issues about language use, attitudes, and beliefs as well as using techniques for efficient conversation delivery. This would provide more space for L2 user contributions and chances to confirm comprehension.