This inquiry explored how six diverse ethnolinguistic groups in Windhoek (Namibia), adapt their language use during intergroup encounters. Resorting to communication accommodation theory, it forecasted that rather low-vitality groups would be inclined towards linguistic convergence, but that these general patterns would be mitigated by ruling sociocultural norms and each group’s language proficiency. These suppositions were mostly backed. Relatively low-vitality groups tended to linguistically converge (typically via lingua francas), whereas relatively high-vitality groups tended to engage in linguistic maintenance. This ended in two different adaptation patterns: (a) symmetrical accommodation in interactions involving groups of relatively equal vitality, typically consisting of mutual convergence to lingua francas or mutual maintenance of a shared heritage language and (b) asymmetrical accommodation in intergroup interactions involving groups of relatively unequal vitality, typically consisting of upward convergence among lower vitality groups, and maintenance among higher vitality groups.