Chapter 6
Emotion, gazes and gestures in Wolof
This article explores a hitherto non-studied dimension of emotion, namely that related to its exteriorization in Wolof, an Atlantic language spoken in Senegambia. It focuses first on triggering factors of irritation such as ‘unconventional gazes and inattention, showing also that it is possible to manifest emotional state through interjections, sound emissions and facial expressions. Furthermore, the paper analyses the conceptualization of ‘shame’, emphasizing the relevance of the cultural setting. The article ends by shedding light on the various attitudes related to this embodied experience.
Article outline
- Introduction
- 1.Irritation
- 1.1Gaze as trigger
- 1.2Inattention as Trigger
- 1.3Interjections and sound emissions
- 1.4Facial expressions
- 1.4.1Dilation of the eyelashes
- 1.4.2Expansion of the lower eyelid
- 1.4.3Xeelu
- 2.Shame and related attitudes
- 2.1Understanding the concept of shame in Wolof
- 2.2Related attitudes
- Conclusion
- Author queries
-
Notes
-
Abbreviations
-
References
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Cited by
Cited by 2 other publications
Mensah, Eyo O. & Vivian Afi Dzokoto
2023.
Melting intestines, red hearts, and scattering eyes: exploring embodiment in the Efik feeling lexica.
Journal of African Languages and Linguistics 44:1
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Seel, Laura & Nico Nassenstein
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