Work

Coordinating action in technology-supported shared tasks: Virtual pointing as a situated practice for mobilizing a response

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Drawing on recordings of remote screen-based work meetings in Finland, this conversation analytic study investigates interactive properties of mouse cursor movements in technology-mediated shared tasks. The article illustrates how participants rely on features afforded by the input device in ways that divert from its pre-designed functions to accomplish virtual pointing gestures. These gestures serve as an organizational resource in the precursory phase of action, i.e. when a next on-screen action is observably made relevant. In this sequential environment, pointing by means of the tool is a collaborative resource: an embodied practice for sustaining co-orientation and advancing the sequential progression of the activity. Pointing that co-occurs with first actions such as questions works towards mobilizing a response by projecting relevant nexts and displays the chair's orientation to the respective rights and obligations of the participants.

Source: Language & Communication

DOI: 10.1016/j.langcom.2021.03.005

Authors: Margarethe Olbertz-Siitonen, Arja Piirainen-Marsh

Institution: University of Jyväskylä

Language: English

Topic: Language, Discourse, Communication Strategies

Subfield: Language and Linguistics

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,890

Funders: Academy of Finland, Työsuojelurahasto