Paralanguage: Difference between revisions
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'''Paralanguage''' refers to the [[Nonverbal communication|non-verbal]] elements of [[communication]] used to modify meaning and convey emotion. Paralanguage may be expressed [[conscious]]ly or [[unconscious]]ly, and it includes [[pitch]], [[volume]], and [[intonation]] of [[speech]]. Sometimes the definition is restricted to [[Human voice|vocally-produced sounds]]. The study of paralanguage is known as '''paralinguistics'''. | '''Paralanguage''' refers to the [[Nonverbal communication|non-verbal]] elements of [[communication]] used to modify meaning and convey emotion. Paralanguage may be expressed [[conscious]]ly or [[unconscious]]ly, and it includes [[pitch]], [[volume]], and [[intonation]] of [[speech]]. Sometimes the definition is restricted to [[Human voice|vocally-produced sounds]]. The study of paralanguage is known as '''paralinguistics'''. | ||
Because it is phenomenal (''i.e.'', observable), paralinguistic information belongs to the external speech signal ([[Ferdinand de Saussure]]'s [[langue and parole|''parole'']]) but not to the arbitrary conmodality. Even [[spoken language]] has some paralinguistic as well as linguistic properties that can be ''seen'' ([[lip reading]], [[McGurk effect]]), and even ''felt'', e.g. by the [[Tadoma]] method | |||
In text-only communication such as [[email]], [[chatroom]]s and instant messaging, paralinguistic elements can be displayed by [[emoticon]]s, [[font]] and [[color]] choices, [[capitalization]] and the use of non-alphabetic or abstract characters. Nonetheless, paralanguage in written communication is limited in comparison with face-to-face conversation, sometimes leading to misunderstandings. | In text-only communication such as [[email]], [[chatroom]]s and instant messaging, paralinguistic elements can be displayed by [[emoticon]]s, [[font]] and [[color]] choices, [[capitalization]] and the use of non-alphabetic or abstract characters. Nonetheless, paralanguage in written communication is limited in comparison with face-to-face conversation, sometimes leading to misunderstandings. | ||
Revision as of 13:11, 16 September 2024
Paralanguage refers to the non-verbal elements of communication used to modify meaning and convey emotion. Paralanguage may be expressed consciously or unconsciously, and it includes pitch, volume, and intonation of speech. Sometimes the definition is restricted to vocally-produced sounds. The study of paralanguage is known as paralinguistics.
Because it is phenomenal (i.e., observable), paralinguistic information belongs to the external speech signal (Ferdinand de Saussure's parole) but not to the arbitrary conmodality. Even spoken language has some paralinguistic as well as linguistic properties that can be seen (lip reading, McGurk effect), and even felt, e.g. by the Tadoma method
In text-only communication such as email, chatrooms and instant messaging, paralinguistic elements can be displayed by emoticons, font and color choices, capitalization and the use of non-alphabetic or abstract characters. Nonetheless, paralanguage in written communication is limited in comparison with face-to-face conversation, sometimes leading to misunderstandings.
- See also: What is language?
Linguistics
The Greek prefix para means beside, near, or alongside. Paralanguage describes the nonverbal communication that accompanies verbal communication. For example, if someone shouts 'get off that' as opposed to softly speaking it, it will change the way you are likely to react to them.
Attribution
- Some content on this page may previously have appeared on Wikipedia.
References
Other:
- Robbins, S. and Langton, N. (2001) Organizational Behaviour: Concepts, Controversies, Applications (2nd Canadian ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-H