Paralinguistics
/ˌpærəˌlɪŋˈɡwɪstɪks/
Definitions
- (n.) The study of non-verbal elements of communication used in legal settings, such as tone, pitch, and volume, which can influence interpretation of spoken statements.
The expert witness testified about the defendant's paralinguistics to explain the implied menace in his tone.
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Commentary
Paralinguistics is important in forensic contexts to assess intent or credibility through speech characteristics beyond words.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.