Paralinguistics contemplates that which transcends verbal language.
The idea of paralinguistics refers to the part of human communication that transcends the use of verbal language . Paralinguistics is given by clues, signals and aspects that serve to contextualize or that suggest interpretations of the information .
The tone of the voice, the pauses when speaking and the way of controlling breathing, for example, are paralinguistic elements. From these issues, the message acquires different characteristics, beyond the words used specifically for its production.
Contribution of nuances
The paralinguistic, also known as paraverbal , allows different nuances to be given to the meaning of the verbal. Specialists recognize in this set phonic modifiers , silences , pauses , quasi-lexical elements and sound indicators that reflect an emotional or physiological reaction.
Take the case of voice . Pitch , intensity , and timbre , to name a few physical features of sound, can reveal the speaker's mood. Choosing certain paralinguistic elements of this type can allow a person to express surprise or happiness.
Voice volume as a component of paralinguistics
Voice volume is one of the most important factors in communication. It should be noted that the most appropriate term to describe this property of sound is actually intensity , since volume is the magnitude of the surface that it manages to occupy when projected, the natural size that is linked to the organ or instrument that produces it, and It has no direct connection to "force." However, most people outside the music world use them interchangeably.
Various elements of paralinguistics come into play in a conversation.
Paralinguistics tells us that we cannot use the same volume in any conversation , but that we must adapt it to prevent our message from being impregnated with involuntary information. For example, by speaking at a high volume we can indicate to the interlocutor the desire to dominate him, to place ourselves above him in the hierarchy of the relationship; If we do not want this, then we must try to keep him at the same level as the other.
The opposite occurs when using a low volume: this is very common in people with self-esteem problems, as it indicates submission or the intention not to be heard because they believe that they have nothing interesting to say. The way we use our voice can also impact the respect we show to our receiver, whether we use a high or low volume, one more reason to take care of this aspect of communication .
Other paraverbal elements
Laughter or a sigh , meanwhile, also influence the message. In some cases, these signs are emitted unconsciously, although they can be used on purpose by the individual.
Moans , snoring and other sounds fall into the field of paralinguistics. In a conversation, an individual can express “Mmm” to convey a doubt or to nod, depending on how that noise is made.
In addition to the noises and sounds mentioned in the previous paragraph, paralinguistics recognizes the following: crying, screaming, coughing, yawning, gasping and throat clearing. On the other hand, the way in which the individual controls his breathing and the articulation of his sounds also influences the information that the receiver can extract from his message.
These data that come from the other side of the communication process refer to different aspects of your person, such as your mood and certain cultural traits that your interlocutor can analyze to learn more about you without having to ask direct questions.
It is important to keep in mind that certain components of paralinguistics are common to many cultures but others are specific to certain groups. Therefore, in some communicative contexts, they may not be useful.