Non-Verbal

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Headmates are non-verbal when they don't or can't speak or write. They may still be able to comprehend language, but unable to use it to communicate. Some headmates may use emojis or images to communicate, or they may use non-verbal vocalization like humming or grunting.

Some headmates may be non-verbal as a result of trauma, just as singlets can. They may have been instructed to stay quiet, or developed it as a defense mechanism. Others may be expressing a neurodivergent trait.

History
In some communities, temporary episodes of being unable to speak may be referred to as non-verbal episodes. In other communities, non-verbal refers to a permanent state, and a temporary loss of speech may instead be referred to as verbalflux.

Related Terms
Some individuals are verbalflux, or varying across the spectrum of verbality over time.

Nonhuman headmates, especially animals, may be non-verbal and only communicate through animal noises.

Being unable to write may fall under non-verbal, or may be considered separately as "non-scribal".

The inability to comprehend or use language due to neurological causes is called "aphasia".