On counterfactuality: a multimodal approach to (apparent) contradictions between positive statements and gestures of negation

Relying on discussions about recurrent gestures and of negation, in this paper, we aim to demonstrate how the apparent contradiction between negative gestural utterances co-occurring with positive spoken can be explained concepts counterfactuality epistemic stances, developed Mental Spaces Theory framework. To illustrate negation analyzed as a case multiple blends metaphorically interpreted, chose three examples co-occurrences verbal utterance. Specifically for discussion proposed here, selected videos from Brazilian TV show “What hell is story, Porchat?” (“Que história é essa, Porchat?”). analyze data used Linguistic Annotation System Gestures (LASG) focused forms functions, well their semantic relation speech. The results showed that all perform metacommunicative function. Thus, they categorized pragmatic discursive gestures, realizing specific performative or operational functions. sweeping away found two occurrences work level emphasize implicit throwing gesture, one occurrence, works level, also dismiss possibility created by In both cases gesture operates prevent any creating an alternative mental space, demonstrating utterances.