These Are the 24 Sounds Humans Use to Communicate Without Words

A frustrated sigh, a squeal of delight, a gasp of terror and more.

D-brief
By Lacy Schley
Feb 12, 2019 9:54 PMApr 9, 2020 11:33 PM
Vocal Bursts Map - Cowen et al
The researchers' map of vocal bursts. (Credit: Cowen et. al)

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Ever catch yourself letting out a frustrated sigh, a squeal of delight or maybe a gasp of terror? These off-the-cuff vocalizations are called vocal bursts. And in a new study, researchers from the University of California, Berkeley have mapped out a record number of them.

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