NEGATIVE EXPRESSIVENESS IN SOCIAL COMMUNICATION: A SOCIOLINGUISTIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

Abstract: Paralinguistic features, which include non-verbal vocal cues such as pitch, tone, volume, intonation, and speech rate, play a crucial role in human communication, especially in conveying emotions like anger, frustration, and contempt. These elements shape how negativity is perceived in interactions, often intensifying or softening the impact of verbal messages. This paper explores the paralinguistic aspects of negative expressiveness, focusing on how such cues function in social interactions and how they contribute to the interpretation of negative emotions. Drawing from sociolinguistic research, this study examines the underlying mechanisms of paralinguistic communication, its cultural variations, and the gendered dimensions of negative expressiveness. Ultimately, it argues that paralinguistic elements are essential to understanding how negative emotions are communicated and interpreted across different social contexts.