on consciously, subconsciously, or unconsciously. Paralinguistically, the manner in which language is expressed may betray an attitude. This is particularly true of voice tone in speaking, and of literary style in writing (Brazil, Coulthard, & Johns, 1980; Brown, Currie, & Kenworthy, 1980). Kinesics--body language--constitutes an extralinguistic dimension of affective communication: eye contact, spatial distance, body and hand gestures, facial expressions, body posture--all contribute to the affective aspect conveyed by the word. Note, however, that kinesics is strongly influenced by culture. Spatial distance is a case in point: whereas North Americans keep at least a three-foot distance from their interlocutors, South Americans face each other at a foot or so; clearly, physical contact is "felt" differently in different cultures. The Japanese, who like to "keeep their distances", are likely to feel ill-at-ease (as are North Americans) in the presence of South Americans or Russians who even embrace each other as a mark of opening and concluding friendly communication.
Van Ek (1976) lists six basic language factors: attitudinal (intellectual, emotional, and moral); imparting and seeking information, getting things done (suasion), and socializing. Intellectual attitudes may comprise: Agreement/disagreement, denial, acceptance/rejection, inquiry, dealing with knowing, forgetting, remembering, possibility/impossibility, capability/incapability, local conclusion, uncertainty, obligation, permission, etc. Emotional attitudes convey pleasure/displeasure, interest/lack of interest, surprise, hope, satisfaction/dissatisfaction, disappointment, fear and worry, preference, gratitude, sympathy, intention, wants and desires, etc. Moral attitudes include apologizing, expressing approval/disapproval, appreciation, regret, indifference, etc. (pp. 45-48).
The conclusions one can draw from the existence of so many affective features inherent to hu...