| For the analysis of face-to-face interaction, treating one modality as the primary communicative resource is not adequate, nor is it reasonable to establish a ‘verbal-nonverbal’ dichotomy. In order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of interaction, equal treatment of visual/spatial, and aural/vocal modalities is critical (e.g. Enfield, 2005; Stivers & Sidnell, 2005). Yet, at times, one modality may become a key to activate, or deactivate other(s) in interaction. This panel will present rigorous empirical analyses of organizational patterns in which certain modalit(ies) take a more consequential role at a particular moment within an ongoing activity. Specifically, we look at how certain sets of modalities are strategically selected, highlighted, and actively utilized to achieve activities in interaction. The cases examined vary from professional settings to casual conversations. By analyzing different communicative situations, we capture a range of practices through which particular modalities are highlighted and demonstrate that the selection of modalities is situated within the specific activities in which interlocutors are participating. |
