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

Word History and Origins

Origin of paralanguage¹

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