IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature
Vol. 14 No. 2 (2026): IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Lite

Gesture and Gaze as Embodied Communicative Modes in EFL Classroom Interaction: A Multimodal Discourse Analysis

Ika Rakhmadani (Master’s Program in English Education, Faculty of Tarbiyah Science and Teacher Training, State Islamic University of North Sumatra Medan, Indonesia)
Maslathif Dwi Purnomo (Master’s Program in English Education, Faculty of Tarbiyah Science and Teacher Training, State Islamic University of North Sumatra Medan, Indonesia)
Sholihatul Hamidah Daulay (Master’s Program in English Education, Faculty of Tarbiyah Science and Teacher Training, State Islamic University of North Sumatra Medan, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
17 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study investigates how gesture and gaze operate as embodied communicative modes in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom interaction. Drawing on Sigrid Norris’ Multimodal Interaction Analysis (MIA) framework, the study examines the question: How do gesture and gaze function as embodied communicative modes in EFL classroom interaction? Using video-recorded data from naturally occurring classroom instruction at a senior high school in Medan, Indonesia, this qualitative study employs multimodal transcript analysis to identify lower-level actions and higher-level pedagogical activities in which gesture and gaze are deployed. Six interaction episodes were selected and analyzed in detail with reference to their temporal positions and interactional contexts. Findings reveal that gesture functions to demonstrate bodily knowledge, affirm student performance, regulate participation, and scaffold comprehension, while gaze serves primarily to monitor engagement and direct attention. Both modes operate dynamically within higher-level instructional actions and exhibit varying degrees of modal density depending on pedagogical purpose. The study contributes empirical evidence to the growing body of multimodal research in language education and underscores the need to treat gesture and gaze as indispensable semiotic resources in EFL pedagogy.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ideas

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

IDEAS Journal is published twice a year in the months of June and December (P-ISSN 2338-4778 and E-ISSN 2548-4192); it presents articles on English language teaching and learning, linguistics, and literature. The contents include analyses, studies and application of theories, research report, ...