Abstract:

We should ask ourselves whether aspects of language that we are teaching are as important as aspects of paralanguage that we are not teaching (Pennycook, 1985). This study focuses on the need for nonverbal communication theory when teaching English as a second language. Since teacher-student interaction in a second language classroom is mainly based on the quality of communication the teacher establishes, apart from language aspects the components of paralanguage such as, kinesics, proxemics, eye behaviour, vocalic contribute to the message conveyed by the students. This study is held with the lecturers of the school of foreign languages, Anadolu University in the spring semester of 2010- 2011 academic year. The study will shed a light on teachers’ perceptions on the use of paralanguage components of communication.

Keywords:

Paralanguage, communication, teacher-student interaction, second language teaching.