Paralanguage refers to the non-verbal elements of communication used to modify meaning and convey emotion. Paralanguage may be expressed consciously or unconsiously, and it includes pitch, volume and intonation of speech. Sometimes the definition is restricted to vocally-produced sounds.

In text-only communication such as email, chatrooms and other forms of writing, paralinguistic elements are 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 conversation in real life, frequently leading to misunderstandings and restricted depth of conversation.

Paralinguistics also refers to the study of paralanguage itself. Both terms are also referred to as kinesics.

Linguistics

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The Greek prefix Para means beside, near, or alongside. Paralanguage describes the nonverbal communication that accompanies verbal communication. For example, something as simple as a wink in conjunction with a spoken phrase can alter the meaning of that phrase.

See also

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• Body language

External links

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• ParaLanguage

References

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• Robbins, S. and Langton, N. (2001) Organizational Behaviour: Concepts, Controversies, Applications (2nd Canadian ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-H

SociologySocial philosophy

Parasprache