The Meanings of Intonation I PDF

The Meanings of Intonation I Suprasegmental Phonology of English and Dialectology II The Meanings of Intonation 01 Statements 02 Questions 03 Sequences of tone units All punctuation marks (. , ? ! ‘ : ) have been omitted from the examples to avoid confusion with tone and accent...

The Meanings of Intonation I Suprasegmental Phonology of English and Dialectology II The Meanings of Intonation 01 Statements 02 Questions 03 Sequences of tone units All punctuation marks (. , ? ! ‘ : ) have been omitted from the examples to avoid confusion with tone and accent marks. Introduction Although there is no necessary link between certain intonation patterns and specific grammatical constructions, attitudes, emotions, or discourse elements, it is possible to draw generalizations and describe the most recurrent intonation patterns that fulfil the functions discussed in the previous presentation. Due to the inherent variability of language, speakers may use different intonation contours to express the same emotions, utter the same syntactic constructions, or convey the same intentions. However, speakers use a range of possible intonation patterns in determined situations. Intonation complements the meaning of a preposition and, in suitable contexts, adds personal meaning to it. The intonation patterns or contours presented here are primarily organized by combining the grammar, attitudinal, and discourse functions. An intonation pattern that expresses no meaning other than the one contained in the proposition uttered (the literal meaning) is considered unmarked (neutral or default). If the speaker intends to convey a specific meaning besides the one expressed in the proposition uttered, then the intonation pattern is said to be marked. Statements Unmarked pattern: high fall Statements Statements The high fall conveys the idea of finality or completeness in marked patterns. Statements Other meanings associated with contours with a high fall are confidence, involvement, and no reservations or doubts. Statements A low fall in a statement sounds objective. Other associated meanings are seriousness and detachment. Statements Statements A low fall preceded by a high head makes statements sound categorical, definite and direct. Statements Contours with a fall-rise indicate that the speakers imply something else left unsaid or that they do not want to express. Statements Statements An utterance beginning with ‘but’ can make the implication explicit. A high-fall is used in the ‘but’ utterance. Statements The fall-rise also expresses uncertainty (= reservations, doubts). Statements Statements Speakers who want to be polite use a fall-rise to correct someone. Statements If the interlocutors are not completely wrong, speakers may partially correct them with a fall-rise focusing on the right part of the information. Statements Statements with a high head and a low rise express reassurance and encouragement and sound soothing or comforting. Statements Statements A rise-fall conveys the feeling of being strongly impressed, approving or disapproving firmly. It works as an intensifier. It can be used to sound ironic. Statements Statements The rise-fall is often used for gossiping. Recap References Collins, B. and Mees, I. (2013). Practical Phonetics and Phonology: A resource book for students. (3rd ed.). Routledge. Cruttenden A. (2014). Gimson’s Pronunciation of English. (8th ed.).Routledge. Ortiz, H. (2003). Intonation. [course notes].UMCE. Roach, P. (2010). English Phonetics and Phonology. (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press. Wells, J. C. (2006). English intonation: An introduction. Cambridge University Press. next Account of the most recurrent patterns of intonation found in questions.