Para-linguistics

The study of extra-linguistic noises

that accompany the language
These noises are also called
vocalizations
 Manner of Communication: Non-
Verbal Vocal Cues
• Voice Delivery( Quality, Tone, Pitch, Rate, Volume, Speaking
Speed/tempo)
• Voice Modulation
• Articulation
• Pronunciation
• Accent
• Stress
• Intonation
• Pauses
• Vocalized Pauses
• Silence
 Voice Delivery
• Quality
– Characteristic that distinguishes one’ voice from
another
– Varies:
• Rich & alluring
• Hoarse & husky
• Thin & Nasal etc.
 Voice Delivery

• Tone
– The quality of voice
 Voice Delivery
• Pitch
– Rise and fall in the voice
– Essential to convey the varieties in emotion
– Well-balanced & well-suited pitch results in a clear
and effective tone
– High-pitched voice is often unpleasant and
suggests immaturity or emotional disturbance
– It is always better to begin softly in a low pitch and
raise the volume and pitch as and when required
 Voice Delivery
• Rate
– Speed of words per minute
– Normal rate: 120-180 WPM
– Depends on:
• the complexity of the material
• Mood of the speaker
• Will to create an impact &
• Composition of the audience
 Voice Delivery
• Volume
• Loudness or softness in voice
• Adjusted according to these two factors:
– Acoustics of the room
– Number of the audience
• Too high volume exhibits: boorishness,
insensitivity & lack of self-command
• Too low volume exhibits: shyness
 Voice Delivery
• Speaking speed/tempo
– The factor of speech
– Speaking speed is increased when something
interesting is being told
– Speaking speed is reduced when a difficult idea is
being explained
– Rapid speech indicates excitement
 Voice Modulation
• Modulation:
– Conveys varieties in emotions
– Brings flexibility and vitality to the voice
• Absence of Modulation leads to monotony
• Modulation is regulated by Varying and
adjusting the tone, pitch & volume of the
voice
 Articulation
• One of the several causes of mispronunciation
• Speaking sounds according to the accepted
norms
• Speaking words with clarity and forcefulness
so that they are individually audible and
discernible
• Avoiding sloppiness in speech
 Pronunciation
• Accepted standard norms of Speaking the sounds
• It is R.P. (Received Pronunciation)
• Also known as Queen’s English/Oxford English
• Correct and clear pronunciation is important
• Indicates that the speaker is careful and has
consideration for the audience
• To pronounce correctly, individual sounds should
be enunciated in the correct manner giving
proper word stress
 Accent
• The way in which a person pronounces the
sounds of a language.
• Every language has its own accent or way of
forming sounds as it includes one’s own MTI
• Good accent is not imitation of someone but
speaking with clarity so that one is understood
• Good accent is learnt by listening to native
speakers of the language
 Stress
• The prominence given to a particular syllable
when speaking a word
• It changes the meaning and implication of the
word
• Stress on a different syllable gives a different
implied meaning
 Intonation

• The sound pattern of sentences

• Each language has its own intonation
 Pauses
• Pauses are used at the end of certain thought
units
• Pauses:
– Lead to better comprehension
– Exhibit confidence & control
• Pauses should be timed properly
 Vocalized Pauses: Speech
Breakers/Non-fluencies
• Vocalized pauses should be avoided
• e.g. um-ur, ah, uh, ahem, huh, ah-ha, oh
hesitations, prolonged pauses
• Vocalized pauses:
• Make the speech evasive & untruthful, and
• Make the speaker appear deceptive or
circumspect
 Silence
• Very effective way of communication
• Not a negative absence of speech but a positive withdrawal or
suspension of speech
• A difficult method of communication as it takes a good deal of self-
control and self-confidence to be able to hold one’s tongue
• Can be very embarrassing if it is not possible to interpret it
• May indicate several things:
– acceptance
– Uncertainty
– Sympathy
– Anger or displeasure
– Much discomfort
– puzzle
 Benefits
• Closely allied to language. Messages are incomplete
without it
• Sufficiently dependable indicator of the speaker's place
• Tells quite clearly about the speaker's educational
background
• Speaks volumes about the speaker's regional
background
• Gives us useful clues regarding the speaker's mental
state
• Has important educational value
 Limitations
• Cannot be fully relied upon
• Improper blending of what is said and how it
is said makes it difficult to get the exact
content of the message
• May unnecessarily prejudice , misguide or
mislead the receiver
• Difficult to achieve uniformity as speakers
belong to different speech communities