Abstract
In this study, I investigate cross-linguistic differences and similarities in the speech associated gesture in the NS (Native Speaker) - NS and NNS (Nonnative Speaker) - NS dyads when they are telling a narrative. The gesture production between Indonesian native speakers when communicating in Indonesian (L1) and in English (L2) was coded and assessed based on Mc.Neill's model of overall gesture units. The Indonesian speakers' gesture modification when interacting in English was measured by the size of the gestures. The results indicate that Indonesian native speakers gesture more when they communicate in English and modify their gestures by making them bigger and therefore more noticeable to their interlocutors. They use gestures as a communication strategy to help interlocutors comprehend their idea.
Highlights
This study investigates cross-linguistic differences and similarities in the speechassociated gesture, or merely gesture in the NS (Native Speaker) - NS and NNS (Nonnative Speaker) – NS dyads when they are telling a narrative
The results of this study indicate that Indonesian native speakers gesture more when they communicate in L2 (English), and modify their gestures by making them bigger and more noticeable to their interlocutors
This is consistent with the notion that gestures are used as a communication strategy to help interlocutors comprehend their idea
Summary
I investigate cross-linguistic differences and similarities in the speech associated gesture in the NS (Native Speaker) - NS and NNS (Nonnative Speaker) – NS dyads when they are telling a narrative. There have been many studies in the interaction of NS - NNS in SLA (Second Language Acquisition) (Long, 1981, 1983; Long & Sato, 1983; Pica 1984), which claim that NSs modify their input when interacting with nonnative speakers. Their modifications include shorter and simple sentences, repetition and restatements, high frequency vocabulary, avoidance of low frequency vocabulary and sentence structures, limited use of pronouns, and restricted topics (such as topics about NNSs’ experiences and plans). Based on Gullberg’s model, this study is conducted to observe whether Indonesians use more gestures and modify their gesture when communicating in English
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