VAGUE REFERENCE IN METALINGUISTIC PROBLEM SOLVING AS A MULTIMODAL PHENOMENON

VAGUE REFERENCE IN METALINGUISTIC PROBLEM SOLVING AS A MULTIMODAL PHENOMENON

Author:  Iriskhanova O. K., Avramova J. S.

Abstract:  The paper presents the findings of an empirical study aimed at investigating the role of gestures in different types (strategies) of vague reference during metalinguistic problem solving which usually results in difficulties in speech. A multimodal analysis is based on the video materials obtained from Russian speakers who were asked to spontaneously explain the differences between close synonyms in their native language. Using both qualitative and quantitative procedures, the authors reveal some specifics of gesture use with two types of linguistic expressions of vague reference - placeholders and approximators.

Keywords: 
metalinguistic problem solving  ◆  speech difficulties  ◆  vague reference  ◆  placeholders  ◆  approximators  ◆  explanatory discourse  ◆  functional types of gestures  ◆  multimodal usage events