PARALINGUISTIC FEATURES AS AN EXPRESSION OF NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION IN UZBEK LINGUISTICS

Abstract

Paralinguistics, a branch of linguistics that emerged in the mid-20th century, studies nonverbal communication, including gestures, facial expressions, and vocal nuances. Though relatively recent as a scientific discipline, nonverbal communication has existed alongside humanity since its earliest stages. Humans initially relied on gestures and body movements for interaction, long before the development of speech. This study examines paralinguistic features in the Uzbek language, highlighting their role in enhancing verbal communication, conveying emotions, and facilitating cultural and social understanding. It emphasizes that mastery of a language requires both verbal and paralinguistic competence, as cultural interpretation of nonverbal signals varies across societies.