Small Talk Identity Negotiation: Social Dynamics Among Colleagues in the Multicultural Arctic Healthcare Workplace

This PhD research explores social practices in multilingual workplaces, with a specific focus on the dynamic interplay between small talk and silence. Drawing on ethnographic data collected from a Norwegian nursing home, the study investigates how workers social interactions and practices converge to construct a nexus of practice (Scollon & Scollon, 2007; Scollon & de Saint-Georges, 2013). By examining these practices, the research sheds light on the ways in which communication, cultural diversity, and workplace dynamics shape social interactions in multicultural settings. This study contributes to the understanding of mediated actions in professional environments, offering insights into the negotiation of meaning and relationships in multilingual and multicultural contexts.

How do people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds communicate and work together? This PhD research dives into the everyday social interactions of workers in a Norwegian nursing home to explore how small talk and silence play a role in building relationships and navigating workplace dynamics. By observing and analyzing these interactions, the study uncovers how workers create shared practices and adapt to a multicultural environment. The research highlights the importance of both spoken words and unspoken moments in shaping teamwork and understanding in multilingual workplaces. It shows how small talk can break down barriers, while silence can carry meaning and foster reflection. This study provides valuable insights into how diverse teams can communicate effectively, contributing to a better understanding of multicultural work environments.

Finansiering:

UiT The Arctic University of Norway