Analyzing Multimodal Interaction: A Methodological Framework

This is a practical guide to understanding and investigating the multiple modes of communication, verbal and non-verbal. It sets out clear methodology to help readers conduct their own analysis, equipping them with the tools to analyse situations from different perspectives. Drawing on research into conversational analysis and non-verbal behaviour such as body movement and gaze, it also considers the role of the material world in our interactions, exploring how we use space and objects - such as our furniture and clothes - to express ourselves. The book offers lively demonstrations of multimodal discourse at work, looking at many real examples, including traffic police officers at work, doctor-patient meetings, teachers and students, and friends reading magazines together. Featuring advice on practical issues such as making transcriptions and video and audio recordings and illustrated throughout, this is an essential resource for anyone interested in multimodal interaction.

Sigrid Norris teaches in the Department of English, Linguistics, and Speech at Mary Washington College, Virginia.