The anatomy of meaning : speech, gesture, and composite utterances / N.J. Enfield.

Author
Enfield, N. J., 1966- [Browse]
Format
Book
Language
English
Published/​Created
Cambridge, UK ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2009.
Description
xii, 252 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm.

Availability

Copies in the Library

Location Call Number Status Location Service Notes
Lewis Library - Stacks P117 .E54 2009 Browse related items Request

    Details

    Subject(s)
    Series
    Summary note
    "How do we understand what others are trying to say? The answer cannot be found in language alone. Words are linked to hand gestures and other visible phenomena to create unified 'composite utterances'. In this book N.J. Enfield presents original case studies of speech-with-gesture based on fieldwork carried out with speakers of Lao (a language of Southeast Asia). He examines pointing gestures (including lip and finger-pointing) and illustrative gestures (examples include depicting fish traps and tracing kinship relations). His detailed analyses focus on the semiotic unification problem, that is, how to make a single interpretation when multiple signs occur together. Enfield's arguments have implications for all branches of science with a stake in meaning and its place in human social life. The book will appeal to all researchers interested in the study of meaning, including linguists, anthropologists, and psychologists."--Jacket.
    Bibliographic references
    Includes bibliographical references (p. 229-246) and index.
    Contents
    • Composite utterances
    • Deictic components of moves
    • Demonstratives
    • Lip-pointing
    • Hand-pointing
    • Illustrative components of moves
    • Modelling
    • Diagramming
    • Editing.
    ISBN
    • 9780521880640 ((alk. paper))
    • 0521880645 ((alk. paper))
    LCCN
    2008053489
    OCLC
    268793359
    Statement on language in description
    Princeton University Library aims to describe library materials in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections we manage. Read more...
    Other views
    Staff view

    Supplementary Information