Analyzing Multimodal Interaction

Our everyday encounters are influenced by much more than just spoken words. From casual chats over coffee to formal interviews, everyday interactions combine verbal and non-verbal cues to shape our perceptions. In Analyzing Multimodal Interaction, Sigrid Norris offers an approachable guide to exploring the diverse ways we communicate. This book presents a systematic methodology aimed at helping researchers conduct a comprehensive analysis of interactions. It is of particular value to those engaged in disciplines such as linguistics, sociology, education, anthropology, and psychology, by providing practical tools to examine a situation from multiple angles. Drawing on studies of conversational analysis and non-verbal communication - including body language, gaze, and the use of space and objects - the book reveals how our surroundings, from furniture to clothing, contribute to our expressive behaviors. Through insightful real-world examples spanning contexts like traffic control, healthcare consultations, and educational settings, readers gain a deeper understanding of multimodal discourse. Enhanced by illustrations, mini-glossaries in each chapter, and recommendations for further reading and practical techniques like transcription and video recording, this guide is an essential resource for anyone interested in the complex tapestry of human communication.