| Author: | Leung, Tsz Shan Beatrice |
| Title: | Multimodal analysis of gestures : a case study on delivery of legal speeches on courtroom |
| Degree: | M.A. |
| Year: | 2014 |
| Subject: | Modality (Linguistics) Gesture. Communication. Semiotics. Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Department: | Department of English |
| Pages: | vii, 53 pages : illustrations |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | This study examines the integration of different semiotic resources in delivering legal speeches in court trials and to evaluate the effectiveness of gestures used in courtroom as a strategy. Four bodies of literature related to this research are reviewed. They are the functions and language of legal speeches, courtroom strategies, multimodal discourse analysis frameworks and multimodality in courtroom. This research is done as a qualitative study on two court cases. Excerpts from each of the two video clips are extracted and transcribed manually. The language of two legal speeches is examined ideationally by Hasan's transitivity system and interpersonally by Martin & White's appraisal theory, followed by an investigation into the integration of gestures. With ideational metafunction, information was delivered in the speeches by different transitivity processes, in which material process was the dominant process in both cases. With interpersonal metafunction, evaluation of things and appreciation of value have been found in both cases while little emotions and feelings were expressed in the first case in addition to evaluation and appreciation. In multimodality, similar gestures were used repeatedly in the first case whereas a variety of gestures were employed frequently simultaneously with the text in the second case. The two cases suggest that gestures' integration and interaction with legal speeches assist the performances of legal speech and it is a significant strategy in courtroom. With the integration of verbal and visual (or multimodal) communication, the possibility to win a case at court is higher. The findings of this paper may make contributions for research and education purposes. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b27759131.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 1.33 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
Copyright Undertaking
As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:
- I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
- I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
- I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/7698