Nonverbal vocalizations are ubiquitous in everyday life and widely studied. They have been categorized according to various criteria, from acoustic properties to their relationship with emotions. However, previous research has taken a top-down approach to categorization, presupposing categories that are relevant in certain contexts. We adopt an alternative, ethological approach, analogous to the study of animal vocalizations: Employing cluster analysis and network analysis, the present study aims to develop a bottom-up typology of nonverbal vocalizations based on the situations in which they are produced. 

Because the meaning of nonverbal vocalizations is context-dependent, this can establish meaningful categories. Using data from 1080 participants, we aim to (1) identify vocalization types based on participants’ situation descriptions and (2) characterize the resulting vocalization types using additional context measures. This project can help to clarify how production context can be leveraged to establish meaningful categories of nonverbal vocalizations.