Synchrony in Intercultural Communication

Synchrony occurs regularly in verbal and nonverbal communication in interactions based on cooperation, including intercultural encounters. It encompasses adaptation, coordination, or convergence in the communicative rhythms of interlocutors and has therefore also been analyzed within the general framework of speech and communication accommodation theory as well as convergence theory. These interaction rhythms emerge from verbal and nonverbal behaviors. They include giving appropriate responses at the right times in a conversation so that it runs smoothly, and coordinating one’s phonetic, lexical, syntactic, and paralinguistic choices as well as one’s kinesics and proxemics with those of the other interactant(s). These factors, which determine the progress of an interaction and influence satisfaction with it, vary from culture to culture. They may have different functions, are based on certain communicative norms, are often associated with specific cultural values, and are interpreted accordingly. Synchrony can be symmetrical, i.e., when the other’s behavior is mirrored, and asymmetrical, i.e., when the other’s behavior is dissimilar but congruent or complimentary. It can lead to irritation and the alienation of the individuals involved if they are out of sync. If, on the other hand, the other person’s behavior is mirrored or complemented, this facilitates the interaction and usually promotes mutual sympathy and bonding between the interlocutors. The more familiar a person is with the behavior and communication patterns of the other, the easier synchrony is realized. Synchrony is therefore often described as essential for successful intercultural exchange. Since the rhythm of a communicative encounter is influenced by culture, whether and to what extent synchrony can be achieved depends on the ability of interactants to understand and adjust to each other. Synchrony is a multi- and interdisciplinary object of study: It can be categorized as a type of interpersonal coordination, and its origins, manifestations, functions, perceptions, and effects have been studied in and across different disciplines, such as intercultural communication, speech communication, anthropology, neuroscience, and psychology.