Knoblauch2008
Knoblauch2008 | |
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BibType | ARTICLE |
Key | Knoblauch2008 |
Author(s) | Hubert Knoblauch |
Title | The performance of knowledge: pointing and knowledge in Powerpoint presentations |
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Tag(s) | EMCA, communication, communicative culture, knowledge, knowledge society, performance, performative, powerpoint |
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Year | 2008 |
Language | English |
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Journal | Cultural Sociology |
Volume | 2 |
Number | 1 |
Pages | 75–97 |
URL | Link |
DOI | 10.1177/1749975507086275 |
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Abstract
Powerpoint and similar technologies have contributed to a profound transformation of lecturing and presenting information. In focusing on pointing in powerpoint presentations, the article addresses aspects of this transformation of speech into `presentations'. As opposed to popular attacks against powerpoint, the analysis of a large number of audio-visually recorded presentations (mainly in German) demonstrates the creativity of these `performances', based on the interplay of slides (and other aspects of this technology), speech, pointing and body formations. Pointing seems to be a particular feature of this kind of presentation, allowing knowledge to be located in space. Considering powerpoint as one of the typical technologies of so-called `knowledge societies', this aspect provides some indication as to the social understanding of knowledge. Instead of `representing' reality, knowledge is defined by the circularity of speaking and showing, thus becoming presented knowledge rather than representing knowledge.
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