Explanation
Coordinated attention of several people toward the same object, with mutual awareness of this focus. An object becomes a shared point of reference because everyone perceives not only the object itself but also the attention of the others.
Example
A child follows a person’s gaze, and both know that they are looking at the same bird.
Counterexample
Simply seeing the same object at the same time by chance is not always sufficient.
Distinction
Distinction from Deixis: The coincidental simultaneous viewing of the same object is not always sufficient.
Effect on thought and perception
An object becomes a shared point of reference because everyone perceives not only the object itself but also the attention of the others.
Resonance
Shared attention makes a directed relationship perceptible: An object becomes a common point of reference because everyone perceives not only the object itself but also the attention of the others.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Shared Attention“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-133-034. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-133-034The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.