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: Paperback / softback
\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 contextual 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.

The author explores the multifaceted dimensions of communication, including the role of language, gestures, facial expressions, and body language. They examine how these non-verbal cues convey meaning, shape social relationships, and contribute to cultural understanding. The book also discusses the power dynamics inherent in communication, highlighting how power relations are expressed, contested, and negotiated through language and non-verbal behavior.

Through its rich ethnographic examples and analytical insights, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of social anthropology. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the complexities of human communication and sheds light on the ways in which language and non-verbal behavior shape our lives and societies. Whether you are an academic, researcher, or simply interested in the human condition, this book will captivate your attention and inspire your thinking.

\n Weight: 516g\n
Dimension: 148 x 208 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781800411463\n \n