The FLING gesture as a marker of discourse status

Authors

  • Naomi Francis
  • Patrick Georg Grosz
  • Prity Patel-Grosz

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18148/sub/2026.v30.1337

Abstract

We propose a formal analysis of the FLING gesture, also known as the brushing away or brushing aside gesture, and its contribution to discourse. We argue that FLING is a discourse-management gesture that signals that the gesturer considers a recent issue in the discourse to be closed. This study advances our understanding of what constitutes a possible meaning within the domain of pragmatic gestures. 
Cover mit dem Titel "Proceedings of Sinn und Bedeutung 30". Jahr 2026. Namen der Herausgeber. Rechts ein Photo einer Stadtansicht der Stadt Frankfurt am Main. Eng stehende historische Häuser mit steilen Giebeldächern, im Hintergrund moderne Hochhäuser.

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Published

2026-08-18

Issue

Vol. 30 (2026): Proceedings of Sinn und Bedeutung 30

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Naomi Francis, Patrick Georg Grosz, Prity Patel-Grosz

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

How to Cite

The FLING gesture as a marker of discourse status. (2026). Proceedings of Sinn Und Bedeutung, 30, 315-329. https://doi.org/10.18148/sub/2026.v30.1337

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