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MODULE 14: PARALANGUAGE AND CHRONEMICS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

 Define and distinguish Paralanguage and Chronemics

 Understand the significance of the tone of voice
 Understand how usage of time communicates non-verbally

OVERVIEW

Paralanguage is the technical term for the voice cues that accompany spoken words. It
is concerned with the sound of the voice and the range of meanings that people convey through
their voices rather than the words they use. The tone of your voice can help you communicate

what you mean to convey, or it can reveal thoughts you mean to conceal. It can reinforce or
negate the words you speak.

Chronemics is a study of time usage in non-verbal communication. The way in which we

perceive time, structure our time and react to time is powerful communication tool.

3.6.1. PARALANGUAGE

The technical term for the voice cues that accompany spoken words is paralanguage. It is
more concerned with the sound of the voice and the variety of meanings that people convey through

their voices than with the words they use.

Non-language elements of speech, such as talking speed, pitch, intonation, volume, and so
on, are included in paralanguage. Tone of voice refers to the range of pitch in the voice that can

convey information other than the words being spoken. Sarcasm, for example, can completely
change the meaning of a person‟s words.

The word „para‟ means „like‟ so, paralanguage stands for „like language‟. Words will be

hollow without the elements of paralanguage. „How you speak‟ is more important than „what you

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