Definition

The aspects of spoken communication that are not words, like tone of voice, pitch, and speed, which help convey feelings or attitudes.

Example

Her paralanguage indicated that she was nervous, even though her words were calm.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how much paralanguage affects our conversations?

Definitely! It's amazing how tone and pitch can change the meaning of words.

Right? Sometimes, I feel like I understand someone better by their paralanguage than their actual words.

Exactly! It adds so much depth to communication.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Paralanguage is formed from "para-" (meaning alongside or beyond) and "language" (from Latin "lingua", meaning tongue or speech). The term refers to the non-verbal elements that accompany spoken language, such as tone, pitch, and body language, which exist alongside the actual words spoken.

Memory Tip

Think of 'para-' meaning 'alongside' and how paralanguage includes all the extra cues that go along with spoken words, like tone and gestures.

Visually Confused Words