Introducing Multimodality - Softcover

Jewitt, Carey; Bezemer, Jeff; O'Halloran, Kay

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415639263 ISBN 13: 9780415639262

Publisher: Routledge, 2016

Synopsis

This accessible textbook introduces multimodality: its origins, scope and the potential of multimodal research for understanding the ways in which people communicate. The authors illustrate the key concepts and methods in various domains while demonstrating how to engage critically with the notion of multimodality. Readers will learn to recognize similarities and differences in theoretical and methodological positions, and the limitations of different approaches are highlighted - including advice on how to mix and ultimately choose the most apt approaches for a study. The book challenges widely held assumptions about language and presents the practical steps involved in setting up a multimodal study, including: * formulating research questions * collecting research materials * assessing and developing methods of transcription * considering the ethical dimensions of multimodal research. With a wide range of examples, clear practical support and a glossary of terms, Introducing Multimodality is an ideal reference for undergraduate and postgraduate students in multimodality, semiotics, Applied Linguistics and media and communication studies. A self-study guide is also included, designed as an optional stand-alone resource or as the basis for a short course to help readers engage with the issues raised by the book.

About this title

Review

'This exquisitely readable and user-friendly book introduces students to what is perhaps the most stimulating and exciting recent development in semiotic and discourse analysis. Written by some of the most dynamic and innovative scholars in the field of multimodality, this book promises to become a classic and remain an indispensable reference text for many years to come.' Jan Blommaert, Tilburg University, the Netherlands

'Finally a textbook which clearly and authoritatively brings together the different strands in multimodal theory and research and empowers students to explore multimodal communication through their own research.' Theo van Leeuwen, University of Technology Sydney, Australia

'A comprehensive and even handed review of a range of perspectives on multimodality, followed by wise advice on the design and conduct of research studies.' Frederick Erickson, University of California, USA

 

"A comprehensive and insightful overview of up-to-date approaches to multimodality with detailed accounts of both their shared and distinctive theories of meaning and methods of analysis, using an array of representative study examples as illustrations. It is very comprehensible, requiring "no prior knowledge in linguistics or semiotics" on the part of readers and thus serves as a good starting point for novices in multimodality. It is also an excellent reference for established scholars who wish to deepen their insights into the complexities involved in various strands of multimodal research." Enhua Guo (2017): Introducing multimodality, Social Semiotics

 

"An excellent guide to multimodality for learners who want to establish their research into multimodality, for this book presents eight approaches all together and sheds light on the distinctions, critiques and new directions of them ... the book offers a panoramic overview of fresh trends and developments in multimodality. Elaboration of those approaches is supported by the exemplification of recently published or still-in-press studies." Rurong Le, Multimodal Commun. 2016; 5(2): 143–144

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0415639263
• ISBN 13: 9780415639262
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 232