Getting acquainted with others is one of the most basic interpersonal communication events. Yet there have only been a limited number of studies that have examined variation in the interactional practices through which unacquainted persons become acquainted and establish relationships in different languages and cultures (e.g. Haugh and Carbaugh 2015; Maynard and Zimmerman 1984; Schneider 1988; Svennevig 1999; Usami 2002).
In light of recent interest in this topic, the School of Languages and Cultures recently held a one-day research symposium, Getting Acquainted across Cultures, featuring Professor István Kecskés (State University of New York) as keynote speaker. The full program of speakers and abstracts can be viewed here.
