Emotion, gazes and gestures in Wolof

Jules Jacques Coly | University of Cologne

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.

Keywords: Senegal, Atlantic Languages, Wolof, emotion, emotional state, triggering factors, irritation, facial expressions, shame

Published online: 10 March 2017
https://doi.org/10.1075/clu.19.06col

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