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Article published In: Constructions and Frames
Vol. 18:1 (2026) ► pp.64–99

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Oh, multimodality where art thou?

Raised eyebrows in the constructional network

ORCiD logo with link | Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt
Published online: 21 October 2025
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https://doi.org/10.1075/cf.24018.leh
Abstract
The present paper explores the network of language-related knowledge about multimodal, stance-related uses of Tell me about it (TMAI) with a particular focus on the co-verbal use of raised eyebrows. Employing a k-prototype analysis, the paper shows that stance-related uses of TMAI form five multimodal clusters. Three of these will be analyzed in more detail regarding their speakers’ use of raised eyebrows. Based on these qualitative analyses, the paper argues that knowledge about TMAI and raised eyebrows is structured as a nested network of uni- and multimodal constructions and, therefore, that a broader definition of the term construction is warranted.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Linguistic networks from a constructional perspective
  • 3.Usage-based constructionist approaches to multimodality
  • 4.Raised eyebrows as part of the linguistic network
  • 5.The case study
    • 5.1Prior work on the multimodality of Tell me about it
    • 5.2The present study
  • 6.Raised eyebrows and Tell me about it
    • 6.1Cluster 2
    • 6.2Cluster 3
    • 6.3Cluster 5
  • 7.The multimodal network around Tell me about it
  • 8.Conclusions
  • Notes
  • References
References (98)
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