Social Networks and the Willingness to Communicate: Reciprocity and Brokerage

Abstract

Psychological models of second language (L2) communication have focused on cognitive, affective, and motivational precursors to L2 communication, while largely neglecting sociostructural factors. One way to conceptualize structural variables is in terms of social network reciprocity (mutually acknowledged network ties) and brokerage (social intermediaries). To investigate whether network positions predict willingness to communicate in the second language (L2 WTC), a cohort of English-for-Academic-Purposes students (N = 67) was surveyed about discussion partners within the group. An autologistic actor attribute model was used to examine social network patterns of L2 WTC. As hypothesized, students involved in reciprocal structures reported stronger L2 WTC, as well as those in brokerage positions between larger social clusters. Contrary to initial hypotheses, local forms of brokerage held a negative association with WTC, suggesting the possible role of network closure. Results indicate that communicativeness is supported by tight-knit predictable exchanges, and by being in a position to influence the social diffusion of information.