nonvocal
Silent but communicating
Nonvocal means not involving or using the voice.
Nonvocal communication includes gestures, facial expressions, and sign language.
In music, nonvocal refers to instrumental pieces without singing: The album's nonvocal tracks showcase the band's musicianship.
The term also describes people who cannot or choose not to speak, particularly in contexts of autism or selective mutism.
Inability to vocalize
- laryngectomyExcision of vocal apparatus
- mutismAbsence of speech
- aphonicUnable to produce voice
- speech-impairmentDisorder affecting spoken communication
AAC · nonverbal · augmentative · text-to-speech · dysarthria · apraxia · tracheostomy · speechless
Communication through gestures
- body-languagePhysical signals conveying meaning
- gesturesExpressive body movements
- signingInscribing one's name
- nodBrief head tilt
shrug · wave · pointing · mime · pantomime · charades · expression · signal
aphonia
Inability to vocalize
- laryngectomyExcision of vocal apparatus
- mutismAbsence of speech
- aphonicUnable to produce voice
speech-impairment · AAC · nonverbal · augmentative · text-to-speech · dysarthria · apraxia · tracheostomy · speechless · voiceless
sign-language
Communication through gestures
- body-languagePhysical signals conveying meaning
- gesturesExpressive body movements
- signingInscribing one's name
nod · shrug · wave · pointing · mime · pantomime · charades · expression · signal · gaze
quiet
Lacking in sound
peaceful · stillness · noiseless · undisturbed · restful · muffled · soundless · inaudible · wordless · unvoiced
orchestra
Large instrumental ensemble
- symphonyExtended composition for orchestra
- pianoKeyed percussion instrument
- violinBowed string instrument
guitar · cello · flute · saxophone · drums · trumpet · clarinet · harp · keyboard · percussion
nonvocalvocal
Expressing views freely
loquacious · chatty · talkative · conversational · garrulous
vocal, vocalize, vocalist, vocally, vocalized, vocalization, vocalizing