Multimodal Pragmatics in EkeGusii: Analyzing the Integration of Verbal and Non-verbal Cues in Communication.

Abstract

This paper explores multimodal pragmatics in the context of EkeGusii, a Bantu language spoken predominantly in southwestern Kenya. It examines how verbal and non-verbal elements converge to create meaning in interpersonal communication. Drawing on previous scholarly work in pragmatics and multimodal communication, the study employs a socio-cognitive theoretical framework to analyze naturalistic data from EkeGusii interactions. It identifies under-researched areas in non-verbal pragmatic markers within Bantu languages and provides illustrative examples from native speaker contexts. The paper concludes by suggesting new directions for pragmatic research in African languages.