Language Negotiation

Abstract

Language matters to ICs. Successful communication is the key to a happy relationship. The more diverse the linguistic and cultural repertoire of a couple, the more complex the linguistic negotiation will be. Complex linguistic negotiation is a growing issue as global mobility is increasing. Many couples do not choose just one of their languages to be the main language of their communication; instead they use multiple languages seamlessly to mediate the two, three, four, or more languages that they have between them. At times, this process can be frustrating, as one or both partners may not be able to express themselves fully in the chosen main language. Inevitably, the couple choose a dominant language for the sake of practicality, but it is important that the process of finding the dominant language involves healthy discussion and debate. One should also know that the dominant language is always negotiable. Choosing the dominant language is not about shutting down the other language(s) in the relationship completely. Instead, it is about finding the combination that works best for the couple and family. The dominant language, for example, might change according to the location where a couple resides. In this respect, we recommend that translanguaging practices form a part of intercultural couples’ daily communication. These practices enable the couple’s linguistic diversity. This is particularly beneficial to immigrant spouses, who are linguistically and culturally vulnerable to the disabling of their heritage and background.