Pragmatic reframing from distress to playfulness

Xun caregiver responses to infant crying

Bibliographic Data

ID7322153
AuthorsA Takada (0000-0002-0549-026X, Kyoto University, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume181
Pages180-195
Publication date2021-06-17
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Pragmatics (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0378-2166 • E-ISSN: 1879-1387
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.pragma.2021.05.021
OpenAlexW3175077184
LanguageEN
Citations received8
References cited47

Using the method and theoretical perspective of language socialization, this paper examines the pragmatic reframing of infant behavior from distress to playfulness among the !Xun San of north–central Namibia. Reframing mobilizes a constellation of multiple semiotic resources. For the !Xun, central among these resources is "gymnastic behavior," namely, holding infants upright or moving them up and down (bouncing). The analysis shows that !Xun caregivers frequently engage infants in gymnastic behavior in response to infant crying and other displays of distress. They thereby collaboratively create rhythms with infants and encourage them to display joyful reactions. Consequently, infants grow accustomed to pragmatic reframing and rekeying long before they can do so using language. Along with that, caregivers often involve other people in the changing participation framework of family interactions. These findings suggest that pragmatic reframing and rekeying assist infants and caregivers in establishing an intimate intercorporeality. Moreover, by reframing infant behavior in a particular manner, the caregivers display their alignment with !Xun knowledge and value system. Involvement of people around infants in caregiving behavior also enhances the (re)socialization of each interactant into the family and other social identities. It is argued that these features forge the development of !Xun distinct intersubjectivity

Cognitive reframing · Crying · Developmental psychology · Distress · Perspective (graphical · Psychotherapist · Socialization · Language Development and Disorders · Language, Discourse, Communication Strategies · Multilingual Education and Policy · Psychology · Social Psychology

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