Paralanguage
From Free net encyclopedia
Paralanguage refers to the non-verbal elements of communication used to modify meaning and convey emotion. Paralanguage may be expressed consciously or unconsiously, and can include limb and body gestures, facial expressions, as well as 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.
Contents |
Linguistics
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
External links
References
- Robbins, S. and Langton, N. (2001) Organizational Behaviour: Concepts, Controversies, Applications (2nd Canadian ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-H