Whenever someone makes a statement, they take stance on what they are talking about. Their utterance presents the propositional content of their message and at the same time shares their position... Show moreWhenever someone makes a statement, they take stance on what they are talking about. Their utterance presents the propositional content of their message and at the same time shares their position regarding the subject of talk. They convey their support or opposition, affiliation or disaffiliation, their like or dislike of the topic of talk. Subsequent, related, contributions similarly do not only react to the content of the earlier message, but to the associated stance taken by the other participant as well. Every interaction thus requires careful management of both the content discussed and the interpersonal relations between those involved. This dissertation investigates how people manage their informal interactions by means of phatic communicative structures. It explores to what extent the choices made by speakers are cross-linguistically stable or language specific, as differences in conversational style could affect intercultural communication and understanding. Three types of linguistic behavior are addressed: offering support and agreement, reproducing meaning (and form), and collaboratively constructing a single message. The preferences across and within these three types are contrasted for Dutch and Indonesian speakers. Show less
Many cities advertise services especially for expats, but who are they and why do we welcome them? Are they the ideal migrant, employee and citizen? In this historical study of expats in The Hague... Show moreMany cities advertise services especially for expats, but who are they and why do we welcome them? Are they the ideal migrant, employee and citizen? In this historical study of expats in The Hague and Jakarta in the postwar period, their settlement process in the city is studied from a long-term perspective and on the basis of empirical data from the archives of municipalities, embassies, expat clubs and school, as well as interviews. This study shows that the postwar and postcolonial period witnesses the rise of a new generation of expats who have a more diverse profile when it comes to their nationality, social background, profession, career and family situation. As a result it are no longer only nation states, as was the case in the colonial context, but also private companies, international organizations and urban governments that play an important role in their settlement process. Because expats have more international careers we also see a standardization process occurring in the way expatriate communities organize around the world. This study, however, also urges city governments to remain aware of the specific profile of the expatriates they attract and how internationalization processes affect the opportunities of other citizens in the city. Show less
