paralanguage etymology

Etymology

The word "paralanguage" is derived from two Greek roots:

  • "para-": meaning "beside" or "alongside"
  • "language": meaning "speech" or "language"

Meaning

Paralanguage refers to nonverbal communication through vocal characteristics that accompany spoken language. It supplements the meaning of words by conveying additional information about the speaker's emotions, attitudes, and intentions.

Origin

The term "paralanguage" was first coined by linguist George L. Trager in 1958. He proposed a framework for analyzing vocal communication that included not only linguistic features but also paralinguistic cues such as:

  • Voice quality: Pitch, volume, resonance
  • Vocalizations: Sighs, grunts, laughter
  • Articulatory rate: Speed and rhythm of speech
  • Pauses and hesitations: Gaps in speech

Trager's work paved the way for further research on the role of paralanguage in communication. Today, it is widely recognized as an essential component of human interaction and social understanding.

paralanguage relate terms

  • language

    Etymology The term etymology derives from the Greek word etymon meaning true sense

  • para

    Etymology The word para originates from the Greek preposition παρά pará which

  • speech

    Etymology The word speech derives from the Old English word spræc or spræce whic

  • delivery

    Etymology The word delivery comes from the Middle English word deliverie which itse

  • communication

    Etymology The word communication derives from the Latin word communicare meaning to

  • average

    Etymology Late Middle English from Old French averaige based on Medieval Latin averag

  • shibboleth

  • chronicle

  • ostensible

    Etymology Latin ostendere to show exhibit Past participle ostensus French os

  • virtue

    Etymology Latin virtus Proto Indo European u̯ir meaning man hero Meaning