Faculty Sponsor(s)
Brenda DeVore Marshall
Location
Jereld R. Nicholson Library: Grand Avenue
Subject Area
Communication Arts/Rhetoric
Description
This study explored the use of nonverbal emblems and regulators in international b-boy competitions. Using semiotics, a lexicon of the emblems and regulators was recorded. Then the dimensions from a theory of semantics of dance were applied to understand how b-boy crews (dance teams) from around the world use gesture to communicate with the audience, judges, and other crews. The study analyzed how culture influences the use of emblems and regulators in the intercultural exchange that occurs during the international b-boy competitions, such as Battle of the Year (BOTY) and R16 World Series. Four videos from the 2013 and 2014 BOTY and 2015 R16 were analyzed. The study concluded that cultural dimensions such as collectivism and indulgence influences emblem selection, intensity, and frequency. These nonverbal elements exhibit an overall impact on the battle and the determination of the winner.
The paper upon which this poster was based was written for the Senior Seminar course in Communication Arts. The paper was competitively selected for presentation at the Northwest Communication Association Conference in April 2016.
Recommended Citation
Watanabe, Kelsi S., "Breaking Down the Codes: A Study of the Nonverbal Emblems and Regulators Used in International B-Boy Competitions" (2016). Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement. Event. Submission 4.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/symposium/2016/all/4
Breaking Down the Codes: A Study of the Nonverbal Emblems and Regulators Used in International B-Boy Competitions
Jereld R. Nicholson Library: Grand Avenue
This study explored the use of nonverbal emblems and regulators in international b-boy competitions. Using semiotics, a lexicon of the emblems and regulators was recorded. Then the dimensions from a theory of semantics of dance were applied to understand how b-boy crews (dance teams) from around the world use gesture to communicate with the audience, judges, and other crews. The study analyzed how culture influences the use of emblems and regulators in the intercultural exchange that occurs during the international b-boy competitions, such as Battle of the Year (BOTY) and R16 World Series. Four videos from the 2013 and 2014 BOTY and 2015 R16 were analyzed. The study concluded that cultural dimensions such as collectivism and indulgence influences emblem selection, intensity, and frequency. These nonverbal elements exhibit an overall impact on the battle and the determination of the winner.
The paper upon which this poster was based was written for the Senior Seminar course in Communication Arts. The paper was competitively selected for presentation at the Northwest Communication Association Conference in April 2016.
