2. Para-Language:
The term para-language is combination of two words :
PARA means “Like”
And
LANGUAGE means “Mode of language”
Thus, Para-language literally means “Like language”.
5. Definition:
“Paralanguage is the voice intonation that accompanies speech,
including voice pitch, voice tone and the rhythm of speech.”
Paralanguage is most similar to verbal communication; however
it sends non-verbal messages in all phases of communication
process. Paralanguage refers to not what is said, but how it is said
6. Paralanguage can alter meaning. When the voice rises at the
end of a sentences in English, it means the sentence is a
question.
Paralanguage can give emotional context for the content of
speech. A loud, high pitched, voice tone can express
excitement, anger on face.
Paralanguage can show membership in a linguistic
subgroup. Accents are partially caused by paralanguage. The
cadence or rhythm of a southern accent in the U.S. is slow and
lazy sounding.
7. Para-Language:
Advantages:
No oral communication is complete without paralanguage.
Speaker`s education background can be known.
Indicates person`s place in hierarchical structure.
Knowledge of paralanguage helps in dealings with others.
Paralanguage can be improved by listening to good speaker.
8. Para-Language:
Disadvantages:
Paralanguage is like a language but not a Language. Can`t be
relied fully.
Unless the listener is open minded, it may prejudice him.
As speakers belong to different speech communities, uniformity
becomes difficult.