專八真題:2010年mini-lecture(1/7)

Good morning, everyone. Today we'll continue our discussion on describing language. Last week we examined such features of, of language as grammar, vocabulary, the sounds of language, etc. In this lecture, we'll look at another important aspect of language. Perhaps some of you may wonder what is this important aspect of language. Let me tell you. It refers to features of communication that takes place without the use of grammar or vocabulary. They are called ‘paralinguistic features of language'. These features fall into two broad categories: those that involve voice, and those that involve the body. Now, the first category is what we call vocal paralinguistic features. Vocal features are actually tones of voice. While they are, perhaps, not central to meaning in communication in the same way as grammar or vocabulary, they may, nevertheless, convey attitude or intention in some way.