Using a geospatial approach to document and analyse locational points in face-to-face conversation
- Francesco Possemato
- Joe Blythe
- Caroline de Dear
- Josua Dahmen
- Rod Gardner
- Lesley Stirling
Abstract
This paper presents a geospatial framework for the documentation and analysis of naturally-occurring locational points in interaction. This novel approach aims to provide a set of methods and procedures for interrogating geographically-enriched interactional data. GPS and GIS metadata and satellite imagery are brought to bear on video-recorded multiparty interactions to situate pointing gestures within the broader topographic setting, allowing the directionality of points to be determined to within a few degrees. The methods illustrated in this paper primarily aim to assist research on the relationship between language, gesture, and spatial cognition. By examining and comparing naturally-occurring locational points produced by speakers of typologically different languages (namely English, Gija, Murrinhpatha, and Jaru) this paper demonstrates how a geospatial approach may facilitate systematic comparisons of pointing styles across languages, contexts, and cultures, and support investigations into universals of human conduct.
Keywords: Geospatial, Language, Gesture, Spatial cognition, Cultures, Human conduct, Analysis
How to Cite:
Possemato, F., Blythe, J., de Dear, C., Dahmen, J., Gardner, R. & Stirling, L., (2021) “Using a geospatial approach to document and analyse locational points in face-to-face conversation”, Language Documentation and Description 20, 313-351. doi: https://doi.org/10.25894/ldd54
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