On interlinking language games: New opportunities for group communication research

One strategy for revitalizing small group communication research is interlinking traditional research interests with those of the natural groups we study. Wittgenstein's (1953) notion of language games provides one method for intermeshing the concerns and interests of both group communication researchers and members of natural groups. The general notion of language games and their relevance to group communication researchers and members of natural groups first is examined. Using work groups in organizations as a case study, the application of a language game analysis to natural groups is conducted and the kinds of research opportunities generated by bridging the language games of group communication researchers and group members is explored.