Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

paralanguage

noun

/ˌpærəˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/

Definition

The non-verbal elements of communication that accompany verbal language, such as tone of voice, pitch, and volume.

Examples

In a heated discussion, his paralanguage revealed more than his words did.
She used a cheerful tone as part of her paralanguage to convey her friendliness.
Understanding paralanguage is crucial when interpreting others’ emotions.

Meaning

Paralanguage refers to the aspects of spoken communication that do not involve words. It includes features like intonation, stress, and speech rate that convey meaning and emotional nuances.