Observations of Nonverbal Behaviors and Saudi Arabian Women in the ESL Classroom: A Case Study
Term
Fall 10-23-2014
Capstone
Thesis
Degree Name
MAESL
Primary Advisor/Dissertation Chair
Andreas Schramm
Secondary Advisor/Reader One
Jennifer Ouelette-Schramm
Peer-Reviewer/Reader Two
Mercedes Martinez
Abstract
The research question addressed in this project was, what nonverbals relating to space, eye contact, and silence, during specific classroom scenarios including pair/group work and oral presentations, are displayed by Saudi women and how do they reflect concepts of identity and gender? Based on Norton’s study (2000) of female English language learners, this study uses video recordings to report data on gaze, silence, and proxemics exhibited by two Saudi Arabian women in specific classroom interaction patterns. The author supplements video recordings with student journal entries and personal interviews. The research concludes that nonverbal behaviors shown by these women reflect deeply ingrained cultural beliefs, and are reflective of deeper themes of gender and identity.
Keywords
Gender, Identity, Nonverbal Behaviors
Recommended Citation
Shea, Caitlin Anne, "Observations
of
Nonverbal Behaviors
and
Saudi
Arabian
Women
in
the
ESL
Classroom:
A
Case
Study" (2014). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations. 43.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_all/43