Transformative Materiality of Meaning-Making

This book explores verbal and non-verbal communication from a social anthropological viewpoint, drawing on ethnographic data from fieldwork in East Africa. It argues that language and other forms of communication involve semiotic transactions between interlocutors, which give identity to the recipients and impact social interaction.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 400 pages
\n Publication date: 18 August 2021
\n Publisher: Multilingual Matters
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This captivating book delves into the intricate realms of verbal and non-verbal communication, offering a unique social anthropological perspective. Drawing upon extensive ethnographic data collected during fieldwork in East Africa, it provides a comprehensive overview of the developments in the anthropology of language use since the 1960s. The author's thoughtful insights shed light on how these advancements have shaped their thinking. The book argues that language and other forms of communication are not merely means of conveying information but rather involve intricate semiotic transactions between interlocutors. These communicative exchanges go beyond the transmission of data, as they impart identity to the recipients, who in turn define speakers through their reciprocal responses. The richness and situational entirety of these semiotic exchanges can be perceived as a form of materiality, impacting social interaction and shaping the physical and verbal interactions among interlocutors. By exploring these multifaceted aspects, the book offers a profound exploration of the complex interplay between language, culture, and identity, providing valuable insights into the human communication process.

\n Weight: 630g\n
Dimension: 154 x 216 x 27 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781800411470\n \n