03.06.2015

1

Describing emotionsBelinda Maia

Universidade do Porto, Portugalbhsmaia@gmail.com

Today We look at the various ways of describing emotion in

language

1. Internal physical sensation / feelings

2. External expression of emotion – facial expression and body language

3. Metaphors and metonymy – and emotion

4. Language of appraisal

03.06.2015

2

Internal physical sensation / feelings

Context – 1960s and focus on physical aspects of emotions

Davitz, Joel (1969) The Language of Emotion.Academic Press.

Joel Davitz – Department of Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York.

Description of emotion by the Senser of emotion

Davitz - methodology Chose 50 American subjects - men and women – ages

20-60

Selected 50 frequently used emotion type words from Thorndike and Lorge’s list

Created a checklist of 556 expressions that could describe a physical emotional feeling or reaction

Asked subjects to associate the 556 expressions to the 50 emotion words

03.06.2015

3

03.06.2015

4

Result Chapter 2 – A Dictionary of Emotional Meaning

Each entry described: Etymology of word

Number of items (chosen from checklist)

Range of agreement

Number of items at least 50% agreement

DEFINITION – based on the checklist items

03.06.2015

5

Cluster analysis1. Activation 2. Hypoactivation3. Hyperactivation4. Moving toward5. Moving away6. Moving against7. Comfort8. Discomfort9. Tension10. Enhancement11. Incompetence :dissatisfaction12. inadequacy

Davitz – another experiment

Reduced checklist to 382

60 adolescents in USA – in English

60 adolescents in Uganda – half wrote in English, half in Luganda

Results show general tendencies to agreement BUT some differences based on culture, gender and which language used

03.06.2015

6

Exercise?? Take ANGER or LOVE as the emotion to describe

Choose items from the checklist that describe your own ‘emotional’ reaction when you are angry or in love

Facial emotion and Body Language

A very popular area of research!

Questions: 1. How relevant is it to this course?

2. How relevant is it to your own projects?

03.06.2015

7

Comments An in-depth study would need a separate course

BUT we can examine the language – spoken or written – for describing facial emotion and body language

An example of research that combines language and gesture: A project related to conveying modality via gesture and

language in the translation of video games

So … a quick look!

03.06.2015

8

Nico Fridja (1927-2015) University of Amsterdam Started career in Behaviourist tradition – examining facial

expression

Developed a multifocal theory of emotions with the concept of "action tendency" as focal issues.

Emotions are, in this view, tendencies to engage in behaviour influenced by the needs of the person.

Book – The Emotions (1986)

Paul Eckman (1935 - ….) University of California, San Francisco – retired

Paul Eckman Group - http://www.paulekman.com

Paul Eckman International –http://www.ekmaninternational.com

Considerable research on facial expression and body language – as universals + cultural differences

Study of micro expressions and related behaviour

Lie detection – Influence on popular science and TV series like ‘Lie to me’

Very popular – but not without his critics

03.06.2015

9

03.06.2015

10

Body Language / Kinesics Body postures, gestures, handshakes, other

movements Oculesics – eye movement

Haptics – touching as communication

Proxemics – measurable distances

Tone of voice

Research into universal v. Cultural manifestations

03.06.2015

11

Body Language / Kinesics Applications Teaching and coaching Improving communication

2nd language teaching

Emotional Intelligence Analysis of behaviour and communication

Detection of deceit Use in law enforcement

Research to allow understanding of body language as part of forensic analysis

And language?

Whatever universals may exist, the language for describing all this will differ culturally and across languages

03.06.2015

12

Describing facial expressionHow do you say these words for facial expressions in your own language: Gape, stare, glare

Grimace, scowl, frown, glower

Grin, smile, laugh, smirk,

Wink, blink, leer, ogle

Twinkle, sparkle, shine

Wince, grimace

Snarl

And … These gestures and sounds Jump, startle, flinch

Cringe, shrink, recoil

Howl, scream, shriek, roar, yell, bawl

Moan, groan, whimper, whine, wail

Cackle, chuckle, snigger, giggle, chortle, guffaw

Growl, yelp, grunt, bark

Paralyze, freeze

Any others?

03.06.2015

13

For writers! Writers in the storm

bloghttps://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2011/12/02/body-language-an-artistic-writing-tool/

Daily Writing Tipshttp://www.dailywritingtips.com/100-words-for-facial-expressions/

Bryn Donovan

http://bryndonovan.com/2015/04/05/master-list-of-facial-expressions/

For Paralanguage! A tiny example….

Expert: Tracy Goodwin

Bio: Tracy Goodwin has a masters in corporate communication and 10 years experience in professional speaking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5j0DFkbnE0

Uploaded on Oct 5, 2008