The function of nonverbal regulators in Hausa face-to-face interaction
The function of nonverbal regulators in Hausa face-to-face interaction

Author(s): Aisha Umar Adamu
Subject(s): Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: Hausa; Nigeria; gestures; face-to-face interaction; regulators
Summary/Abstract: The structure of conversation is a subject of many empirical researches along the Conversational Analytical point of view. Scholars have agreed that nonverbal signals which are called regulators act as a kind of traffic signals that aid in the flow of interactions. This paper studies the use of nonverbal regulators in Hausa social interactions, through the use of data consisting of natural face-to-face interactions taken from multiple settings. The research discovers that Hausa peoples’ interaction, especially in face-to-face settings, is marred with different gestures and postures acting as conversational regulators. Beyond regulating the interaction, these gestures and postures contribute to meaning making and influence communication outcomes.

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