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paralanguage

[ par-uh-lang-gwij ]

noun

, Linguistics.
  1. vocal features that accompany speech and contribute to communication but are not generally considered to be part of the language system, as vocal quality, loudness, and tempo: sometimes also including facial expressions and gestures.


paralanguage

/ ˈpærəˌlæŋɡwɪdʒ /

noun

  1. linguistics nonverbal elements in speech, such as intonation, that may affect the meaning of an utterance
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of paralanguage1

First recorded in 1955–60; para- 1 + language

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paralaliaparaldehyde