Multimodality Studies in International Contexts: Contemporary Trends and Challenges

This collection responds to the need for theoretically informed and methodologically grounded empirical research on the global transformations in multimodal human communication and social practices in light of recent widespread change. It highlights the need to expand on established approaches by complementing them with other analytical frameworks to better understand the impact of global challenges on communication and meaning-making. The collection brings together established and emergent scholars from various geographical, cultural, and linguistic contexts, presenting studies from both the Global North and Global South. It will be of interest to students and scholars in multimodality, social semiotics, and discourse analysis.

Format: Hardback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This collection responds to the pressing need for theoretically informed and methodologically grounded empirical research on the global transformations in multimodal human communication and social practices in the wake of recent widespread change. The volume emphasizes the crucial importance of expanding upon established approaches such as Social Semiotics, Multimodal Discourse Analysis, and Multimodal (Inter)action Analysis by complementing them with other analytical frameworks to gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact of unprecedented global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on the ways humans communicate and utilize meaning-making resources. By bringing together established and emerging scholars from diverse geographical, cultural, and linguistic contexts, the collection showcases a wide range of studies from both the Global North and Global South, including South Africa, Latin America, Brazil, and the Caribbean, offering fresh perspectives in multimodality research. This groundbreaking book will be of immense interest to students and scholars engaged in multimodality, social semiotics, and discourse analysis.

Introduction:
The world has witnessed significant transformations in recent years, driven by rapid technological advancements, global interconnectedness, and the ever-evolving dynamics of social and cultural practices. These transformations have had a profound impact on the way humans communicate and interact with each other, shaping the nature of our relationships, identities, and communities. In this context, the study of multimodal human communication and social practices has become increasingly important, as it seeks to understand the complex interplay between different modes of communication, such as language, gesture, image, and technology, and their role in shaping our experiences and interactions.

The Need for Theoretical Informed and Methodologically Grounded Empirical Research:
The demand for theoretically informed and methodologically grounded empirical research on the global transformations in multimodal human communication and social practices is paramount. The established approaches, such as Social Semiotics, Multimodal Discourse Analysis, and Multimodal (Inter)action Analysis, have provided valuable insights into the complexities of multimodal communication, but they need to be expanded upon to better understand the impact of recent global challenges on the way humans communicate and make use of meaning-making resources.

Expanding Approaches:
To address this need, the collection brings together established and emergent scholars from a variety of geographical, cultural, and linguistic contexts. The volume highlights the importance of complementing these established approaches with other analytical frameworks, such as Critical Multimodal Analysis, Cultural Studies, and Digital Humanities, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of global transformations in multimodal human communication and social practices.

New Perspectives:
The collection presents a wide range of studies from both the Global North and Global South, including South Africa, Latin America, Brazil, and the Caribbean. These studies showcase new perspectives in multimodality research, exploring the ways in which multimodal communication and social practices are shaped by historical, cultural, and social factors, as well as by the impact of technological advancements and global challenges.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this collection responds to the need for theoretically informed and methodologically grounded empirical research on the global transformations in multimodal human communication and social practices. By expanding upon established approaches and complementing them with other analytical frameworks, the volume offers new perspectives on the complex interplay between different modes of communication, cultural factors, and global challenges. It will be of immense interest to students and scholars engaged in multimodality, social semiotics, and discourse analysis, as well as those interested in understanding the broader implications of these transformations on our lives and societies.

Weight: 720g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032434872