12 October 2021

2021年10月12日

When I was doing my research on second language (L2) EFL/ESL pronunciation features, I came up with an "eligibility" theory (which may or may not be formed yet).

I would like to start the theory from the acceptance theory from our sister field, i.e., psychology.

Acceptance in human psychology is a person's assent to the reality of a situation, recognizing a process or condition (often a negative or uncomfortable situation) without attempting to change it or protest it. The concept is close in meaning to acquiescence, derived from the Latin acquiēscere (to find rest in). 

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/acquiesce

to assent tacitly; submit or comply silently or without protest; agree; consent.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acceptance

> the quality or state of being accepted or acceptable 

I was wondering that, if there is a pre-requirement, or "eligibility" factors, which may be a part of acceptance, before an interlocutor (a speaker/listener in a conversation) can listen to the other interlocutor?

This may be a touchy subject, as people have differing values, beliefs, and morality that transcend "intelligibility", "comprehensibility", and "rationale".

For example, someone who has hurt you deeply wants to speak with you, will you listen to him or her? Most likely, you will not listen to him or her (even though you may just 'hear' him or her).

Afterall, communication breakdown may happen at psychological factor, even if the linguistic factors may not play the role (or some kind of sentiments/exclusivity).

In second language acquisition theory, there is the theory of nativeness and intelligibility where people can understand you if you reach 'certain stage' of intelligibility or 'nativeness'.