What term describes the adaptation of language style to match that of another speaker?

The term that describes the adaptation of language style to match that of another speaker is convergence. This concept stems from Communication Accommodation Theory, which suggests that individuals will adjust their speech patterns, tones, and vocabulary to be more similar to those of their conversational partners. This occurs to foster social harmony, improve interpersonal relationships, and show empathy or understanding within a conversation.

Convergence can manifest in various forms, such as adjusting speech rate, adopting dialect features, or modifying vocabulary to align with the other person’s language style. When people converge in their language use, it often enhances mutual understanding and strengthens connections between speakers. This is particularly relevant in diverse settings where individuals come from different linguistic or cultural backgrounds, as it can help bridge gaps and facilitate more effective communication.