Language and Gesture in Chinese Conversation: Bishou-shuohua

This book explores the quantitative-qualitative analysis of linguistic-gestureal instances from conversations in native Mandarin, expanding on a scholarly debate of gestural discourse. It aims at scholars in various fields, including linguistics, language and gesture, human communication, cognition, cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, sociology, linguistic anthropology, speech pathology, and speech therapy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 190 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into a comprehensive analysis of linguistic-gestureal instances from conversations in native Mandarin, building upon a scholarly debate surrounding gestural discourse. With a focus on quantitative-qualitative methods, it aims to appeal to a wide range of scholars engaged in various disciplines, including linguistics, language and gesture, human communication, cognition, cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, sociology, linguistic anthropology, speech pathology, and speech therapy. By examining the intricate interplay between language and gesture, this book offers valuable insights into the complex mechanisms underlying human communication. It explores the diverse ways in which gestures contribute to meaning-making, emotion expression, and social interaction, shedding light on the cognitive processes and cultural variations that shape gestural behavior. The book's rich empirical data and theoretical frameworks will be of interest to both linguistics and psychology researchers and instructors, providing a valuable resource for advancing our understanding of the multifaceted nature of human communication.

Introduction:
The study of linguistic-gestureal instances from conversations in native Mandarin has gained significant attention in recent years, fueled by a growing scholarly debate surrounding gestural discourse. This book aims to contribute to this ongoing discussion by providing a comprehensive analysis of these instances. By employing quantitative-qualitative methods, we seek to unravel the intricate interplay between language and gesture, exploring their diverse roles in human communication.
Scope and Relevance:
This book appeals to a broad range of scholars engaged in various disciplines, including linguistics, language and gesture, human communication, cognition, cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, sociology, linguistic anthropology, speech pathology, and speech therapy. The analysis of linguistic-gestureal instances in native Mandarin offers valuable insights into the complex mechanisms underlying human communication. It sheds light on the diverse ways in which gestures contribute to meaning-making, emotion expression, and social interaction, highlighting the cognitive processes and cultural variations that shape gestural behavior.
Methodology:
The book employs a multi-disciplinary approach, drawing upon insights from linguistics, psychology, and other related fields. We analyze a comprehensive dataset of linguistic-gestureal instances collected from conversations in native Mandarin, encompassing a wide range of contexts and topics. Our analysis involves a combination of quantitative methods, such as statistical analysis and machine learning, to identify patterns and trends in the data. At the same time, we employ qualitative methods, such as discourse analysis and ethnography, to interpret the meanings and implications of the gestures observed.
Key Findings:
Through our analysis, we uncover several key findings. Firstly, we demonstrate that gestures play a crucial role in shaping the structure and organization of conversations in native Mandarin. Gestures can serve as fillers, indicating pauses or hesitation, or as elaborators, providing additional information or clarification. Moreover, gestures can convey emotions, such as joy, sadness, or anger, and can contribute to the development of conversational topics and themes.
Secondly, we explore the cognitive processes underlying gestural behavior. We show that gestures are not merely a byproduct of language processing but are actively shaped by cognitive factors such as attention, memory, and mental imagery. Gestures can enhance memory recall, facilitate communication, and support the development of mental representations of objects and events.
Thirdly, we examine the cultural variations in gestural behavior. We identify different cultural norms and conventions that govern the use of gestures in different contexts, such as social interactions, educational settings, and professional environments. These cultural variations reflect the unique ways in which different societies encode and interpret information through gestures.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of linguistic-gestureal instances from conversations in native Mandarin. By delving into the quantitative-qualitative analysis of these instances, we aim to advance our understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying human communication. The findings of this book have implications for various fields, including linguistics, psychology, education, and communication studies. It offers valuable insights into the role of gestures in shaping language, cognition, and social interaction, and provides a foundation for developing effective communication strategies and interventions.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138367708