The Use of gestures in a constructed Creole in The Expanse

Abstract

This thesis explores the use of gestures in Belter Creole, a constructed creole language created for the science fiction series The Expanse. Belter Creole provides an opportunity to analyze the use of the resources of the English language within popular media and culture, as well as its connections to language politics and ideology. After establishing the necessary context through an overview of creole languages, constructed languages, and gesture theory, the gestures were then analyzed with a focus on gesture space, handshape, palm orientation, and co-occurrence with speech, if applicable. Although some gestures were difficult to analyze due to camera angles, the majority could be connected to comparable gestures in English-speaking cultures or known sign languages. The findings indicate that the gesture system of Belter Creole draws on existing practices, and thus contributes to the authenticity and immersion of the fictional universe of The Expanse. Keywords: gesture, constructed language, creole language, English-speaking cultures