The Role of Gesture in Multimodal Communication

Abstract

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to examine the role of gesture in multimodal communication.

Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive's time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.

Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the role of gesture in multimodal communication. Preliminary empirical review revealed that that gestures play a crucial role in multimodal communication, serving as more than mere supplements to verbal discourse. Through theoretical frameworks like social semiotics and empirical research across various contexts, it was found that gestures enhance comprehension, memory retention, and social interactions. The findings emphasized the importance of recognizing and leveraging gestures in communication, urging educators, communicators, and policymakers to develop strategies that harness the full potential of multimodal communication for fostering understanding and connection in diverse settings.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Cognitive Load theory, Symbolic Interactionism and Social Semiotics model may be used to anchor future studies on the role of gestures in multimodal communication. The study recommended integrating gesture theories within existing communication frameworks, enriching theoretical discourse and offering new perspectives on multimodal communication dynamics. Practically, it advocated for incorporating gesture-based interventions in education and professional settings to enhance communication effectiveness and build rapport. At the policy level, it called for the integration of multimodal communication strategies into educational curricula and workplace training programs to support inclusive and effective communication practices. The study also suggested further research into the cognitive mechanisms of gesture production and comprehension, alongside the development of technology-mediated communication tools and guidelines for inclusive communication practices. Additionally, it proposed interdisciplinary collaborations to advance understanding of multimodal communication processes and drive innovation in the field.