What do paralinguistic features refer to?

Paralinguistic features refer to the elements of communication that accompany verbal language but are not part of the actual words spoken. This includes aspects such as tone of voice, facial expressions, gestures, and body language, all of which can significantly influence the meaning conveyed in a conversation. These features operate alongside spoken language, adding context and emotional depth to the communication.

In contrast, the grammatical structure of sentences, the vocabulary used, and the phonetic aspects of speech are all directly related to the language itself and do not encompass the additional, nuanced elements that paralinguistic features represent. Understanding these features is crucial for a comprehensive grasp of how meaning is constructed in various communicative contexts.