Paralanguage :
The term ‘Para language’ is related to spoken language. It is
a form of nonverbal communication. It refers to the features of a
verbal language such as pronunciation,
accent, tone, pause, pitch, intonation, volume and so on. It helps the speaker to add meaning to his utterance.
It is also called ‘vocalics’ as it includes vocal elements.
Examples of Paralanguage :
- Tone (the use of pitch and inflection to
convey meaning) - Stress (emphasis on certain words)
- Tempo (the speed of speaking)
- Pitch (how high or low your voice is/ the
frequency of the sound) - Volume (loud or soft sound of the speaker)
- Intonation (the modulation of voice)
- Pauses
- Silence
- False starts (when you begin speaking but then
stop for some reason) - Filler words and sounds (e.g.,
“umm,” “well,” “hmm,” “err,” etc.) - Interruptions or conversational overlaps
(e.g., when people talk over one another) - Sighs (taking and releasing breath in a
specific way) - Coughs
- Clearing the throat
- Whistles
- Groans
- All types of Bodylanguage
