Anyone speak Spanish?: Language encounters in multi-user virtual environments and the influence of technology

In this study we investigated how people using different languages interact and communicate in an internet-based virtual environment, Active Worlds. The focus was on situations where a new language is introduced in a conversation held in another language. With this we wanted to establish an understanding of (1) the intentions of introducing a new language; (2) the response to this language introduction; (3) the consequences of language introduction; and (4) the factors influencing rejection or acceptance of language introduction. We found that the response to language introduction depends mainly on: (1) type of language; (2) character of the setting; and (3) perceived intention of language introducers. We found that non-English speakers and regular English-speaking users in less public, 'themed' settings are most tolerant to other languages. Apart from national languages, we also studied encounters between users familiar with 'insider' jargon - as against users not familiar with it.