Suprasegmentals of Speech

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the best definition of suprasegmentals?

  • The meaning of words and sentences.
  • Aspects of speech beyond the individual sounds, such as stress, pitch, and intonation. (correct)
  • The grammatical rules that govern sentence structure.
  • The individual speech sounds (phonemes) that make up words.

In English, stress is indicated by changes in which of the following?

  • Pitch, force, and duration. (correct)
  • Articulation, enunciation, and pronunciation
  • Rhythm, tempo, and sound
  • Volume, pause, and tone

Which degree of stress receives the least emphasis in spoken English?

  • Primary Stress
  • Weak/Zero Stress (correct)
  • Secondary Stress
  • Tertiary Stress

How are monosyllabic words typically stressed in isolation?

<p>They blend with the nearest word, losing part of their original sound. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In noun-verb pairs such as 'conduct' and 'contract', how does stress typically change the word's function?

<p>Stress shifts from the first syllable for nouns to the second syllable for verbs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are number words ending in '-teen' and '-teenth' typically stressed?

<p>Stress falls on the '-teen' or '-teenth' syllable. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of derived words, what is the most frequent effect of adding a prefix or suffix to a root word?

<p>The word usually retains the original syllable stress, though meaning may change. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical stress pattern in two-word phrasal verbs when spoken in isolation?

<p>The stress typically falls on the second word (the particle). (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a compound word receives the stress if the first part indicates the purpose of the compound?

<p>The first part receives the stress. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Regarding sentence stress, which types of words are generally unstressed in context?

<p>Determiners, prepositions, and auxiliary verbs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is pausing important when phrasing sentences?

<p>Pausing allows a speaker to convey meaning and accommodate breath. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of emphatic stress?

<p>To emphasize an idea or indicate contrast. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the stress on the words 'some' and 'any' when they are used to convey special meanings?

<p>They become stressed, while nouns become unstressed. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many basic intonation patterns are there in English?

<p>Three (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of question is normally associated with rising intonation (2-3-3)?

<p>Questions that are answered by 'yes,' 'no,' or 'perhaps.' (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When is non-final intonation (2-3-2) typically used in a sentence?

<p>In the part of the sentence preceding the last stressed word, suggesting incompleteness of thought. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of volume in a presentation?

<p>Volume helps to project confidence and ensure the audience can hear. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is vocal variety important when speaking?

<p>It helps to engage the audience and highlight key points. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the best way to start and end a speech in terms of volume?

<p>Begin and end with a commanding volume, respectively. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the value of regularly practicing your speech volume in varied settings?

<p>It helps ensure clear delivery and adaptability to the audience. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Stress

The intensity of utterance given to a speech sound, syllable, or word producing relative loudness.

Speech Rhythm

Rhythm and melody pattern that makes individuals speak in a variety of time and tune.

Monosyllabic Words

Words with one syllable that are stressed in isolation, blending with the nearest word in context.

Multi-syllable Words

Words with two or more syllables, having only one strong stress.

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Noun-Verb Shifts

This shift results in a change in the meaning of a particular group of words based on syllable stress.

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Phrasal Verbs

A two-word verb or a three-word verb consisting of a simple verb and an adverbial participle and/or preposition.

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Content Words

Nouns, main verbs, adjectives, adverbs, the demonstratives and question words

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Unstressed words

Articles, demonstrative and possessive pronouns, personal pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions and auxiliary verbs

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Emphatic Stress

To emphasize an idea and to indicate contrast in sentence.

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Contrastive stress

When differing idea exist in one, two or more words, each of these words are stressed for contrast.

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Volume in Speech

Volume is how loud a speaker's voice is during a presentation

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Tunes in speech

There are 4 tunes used in speaking

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Intonation patterns

There are 3 basic intonation patterns

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Rising falling intonation

Begins on normal tune and rising last stressed syllable and then falling to low

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Rising intonation

Voice begins on a normal tune and ends on a high tune

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Non-final intonation

Used in the part of the sentence which precedes the last stressed word.

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Study Notes

  • This module explores suprasegmentals like stress, pitch, intonation, as tools for speech and theater

Objectives of the Module

  • Explain the concept of suprasegmentals
  • Share the relevance of suprasegmentals in oral communication
  • Apply suprasegmental concepts in speaking activities

Key Dates

  • The module is allotted 3 hours, taking place on March 4 and 8, 2024

Rhythm of Speech and Stress

  • Spoken language is characterized by unique rhythm and melody
  • Speech rhythm includes alternating light/heavy stresses, short/long pauses, and varying pitches
  • Mediating factors like grammar, meaning, and speaker personality can affect rhythm
  • Rhythm indicators are stress and intonation
  • Stress is intensity of a sound, syllable or word
  • Stress changes in pitch, force, and duration
  • There are four degrees of stress in English: strong, secondary, tertiary, and weak/zero

Word Stress

  • Monosyllabic words are stressed in isolation but blend in context
  • Multi-syllable words have only one strong stress
  • Noun-verb shifts change meaning based on stress placement
  • Number words ending in "-ty" and "-ieth" stress the first syllable
  • Those ending in "-teen" and "-teenth" stress the last syllable
  • Derived words may retain or change stress, affecting meaning and function
  • Phrasal verbs consist of a simple verb and an adverbial participle/preposition
  • In phrasal verbs, stress placement depends on the structure and separability
  • Noun-noun or adjective-noun combinations stress based on meaning

Compound Word Stress

  • Stress the first part if it indicates the purpose of the second part
  • The first part indicates the material contained in the second part, the second part is stressed

Sentence Stress

  • Content words, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, are usually stressed
  • Determiners, pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions, and auxiliary verbs are usually unstressed
  • Unstressed words may have reduced pronunciation

Sentence Phrasing and Stress

  • Pauses are needed in longer sentences to allow for breaths to be taken
  • Pauses are placed strategically to convey meaning
  • Emphatic stress emphasizes ideas, repetition, or answers to questions
  • Contrastive stress highlights differing ideas
  • "Some" and "any" can be stressed, unstressed nouns can occur to convey special meanings

Intonation

  • Four tunes are used in speaking: low, normal, high, and extra high
  • The first three are common, while extra high expresses extreme emotion

Basic Intonation Patterns

  • There are three basic intonation patterns: 2-3-1 (rising-falling), 2-3-3 (rising), and 2-3-2 (non-final)
  • The 2-3-1 pattern begins on a normal tune, rises to high, and falls to low on the last stressed syllable
  • It is used in statements of fact, commands, requests, and information questions
  • The 2-3-3 pattern begins on a normal tune and ends on a high tune on the last stressed words
  • It is used at the end of yes/no questions
  • The 2-3-2 pattern is non-final, suggesting incompleteness
  • The voice rises to pitch level 3 on the stressed word and returns to normal

Volume

  • Volume is how loud a voice is during a presentation
  • Projecting voice demonstrates confidence
  • Tips for using effective volume are:
  • Project voice to be heard clearly
  • Maintain proper posture
  • Practice at the proper distance from the audience to ensure audibility
  • Use vocal variety
  • Start strong
  • Finish strong
  • Practice often to improve and refine your volume control skills

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