Multimodal Theory and Methodology, For the Analysis of (Inter)action and Identity, written by Sigrid Norris
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Emphasizing the integration of linguistic, gestural, material, and other modalities, multimodal analysis has, over the past several decades, become an area of increasing interest and importance in the analysis of human action and interaction.Yet, as with other methods for examining discourse and social interaction, conducting analysis with clear scientific rigor and methodological coherence is challenging.In that context, Multimodal Theory and Methodology by Sigrid Norris is a welcome addition.Its systematic approach, both in the volume's structure and in the methodology it promotes, outlines a set of clearly delineated, theoretically grounded, and analytically useful tools.Authored by one of the founders of multimodal analysis, and a prominent expert in the field, the volume aims to provide a thorough, yet concise, overview of core terminology and methodological tools.Each of its three chapters are structured as a series of encyclopedic entries, first identifying a key concept, then providing a summary box highlighting the underlying theory and analytical applications, and finally discussing pertinent issues related to the entry as needed.Examples are used generously to illustrate each idea.In this way, the book is structured more like a detailed glossary or reference guide rather than a how-to manual for multimodal analysis.This brief volume is arranged into three chapters.Chapter 1 provides an overview of five core concepts in multimodal analysis -XXX -thus giving a bird's eye view of the foundational ideas that comprise the field.Chapter 2 surveys tools needed to apply those ideas in the actual analysis of social action and interaction.With entries for topics covering mediated actions (lower-level and higher-level), transcription conventions, units of analysis, and other ideas critical for explicating socially embedded actions, this chapter covers the most
Source: Contrastive Pragmatics
Author: Stephen J. Moody
Institution: Brigham Young University
Language: English
Subfield: Language and Linguistics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4413336961