The Author's Words Preceding Direct Speech
The author's words introducing the direct speech form an intonation-group and are usually pronounced with the mid-level, low-falling or low-rising nuclear tone.
e.g. He > said: | "The play is perfect."
Intonation of Enumeration
Model: I've visited the British Museum, | the National Gallery | and the Tate.
If a sentence contains enumeration, all non-final intonation-groups are usually pronounced with the Low Rise each being a bit lower than the preceding one. The final intonation-group is pronounced with the Low Fall if the choice of enumeration is exhausted.
Intonation Pattern VIII
(LOW PRE-HEAD + ) LOW HEAD + LOW RISE (+ TAIL)
In the usual form of the low head, all the syllables contained in it are said on the same, rather low pitch.
This intonation pattern is used:
1. In statements, encouraging further conversation; reprovingly critical, guarded, reserving judgement, appealing to the listener to change his attitude.
e, g, I'm just back from seeing my mother. - I ,,trust you „found her well.
Take no notice of him. — We must ,,do as he /says.
2. In questions:
a) special questions, calm, but very disapproving.
e. g. I don't agree. — ,,Why /not?
b) general questions, expressing disapproval, scepticism,
e. g. I'm sorry, Mummy. — ,,Are you /really sorry?
3. In imperatives, reprovingly critical, resentful.
e. g. He'll let me have it by Monday. — Don't be ,,too ,sure.
4. In exclamations, calm, reserving judgement, expressing casual acknowledgement.
e. g. You can have it if you like. — ,,Thanks very /much.
Intonation Pattern IX. High Fall
(LOW PRE-HEAD + ) HIGH FALL (+ TAIL)
Stress-and-tone marks in the text: High Fall. | ` |
The High Fall in the nucleus starts very high and usually reaches the lowest pitch. The syllables of the tail are pronounced on the low level.
The High Fall provides a greater degree of prominence for the word, making it more emphatic. The degree of prominence depends on the height of the fall.
This intonation pattern is used:
1. In statements, conveying personal concern or involvement, sounding lively, interested, airy; very common in conversation.
е.g. Do you know the man? — `No. (I `don't.) `Yes.| (I `do.) Where's my copy? — `Peter ,took it ,for you.
2. In questions:
a) In special questions, sounding lively, interested, е.g. I shall be late, I'm afraid. — `How ,late?
b) In general questions, conveying mildly surprised acceptance of the listener's premises. е.g. I like it here. Do you? (I thought you'd hate it.)
3. In imperatives, sounding warm.
е.g. What's the matter? — Look. (It's raining.)
4. In exclamations, very emotional. е.g. It's eight o'clock. — Heavens! (I'm late.)
Intonation Pattern X (LOW PRE-HEAD+) RISING HEAD + HIGH FALL (+ TAIL)
-
Model: I wonder when Alice's train is due.
— Look it 'up in the `time-,table.
The syllables of the Rising Head preceding the High Fall gradually carry the pitch up.
Stress-and-tone mark in the text:
The first stressed syllable: ││
This intonation pattern is used:
1. In statements, conveying personal concern, involvement, disgruntled protest.
е.g. Haven't you brought the carp? — You didn't ask me ,to.
2. In questions:
a) In special questions sounding unpleasantly surprised or displeased, protesting.
е.g. Send them at once. — Where to?
b) In general questions, protesting, sometimes impatient.
е.g. Thursday's a hopeless day for me. — Can't we 'make it a `Friday, ,then?
3. In imperatives, lively, with a note of critical surprise.
е.g. What shall I do? — Try it a`gain.
4. In exclamations, conveying affronted surprise, protesting.
е.g. John's coming. — What an extraordinary `thing./
Intonation Pattern XI (LOW PRE-HEAD + ) FALLING HEAD+ HIGH FALL (+ TAIL)
-
Model: How are you finding your new job?
— Liking the `work im`mensely.
The High Fall starts from a higher pitch than the preceding syllable of the Falling Head.
If the head contains only one stressed word the High Fall starts from the level of the stressed syllable.
е.g.
How
nice!
This intonation pattern is used:
1. In statements, conveying personal concern, sounding light, airy, warm but without the disgruntled effect of Pattern X.
е.g. Why don't they work in the evenings? — `Some of them `do, I believe.
2. In questions:
a) In special questions, sounding interested, brisk, business-like.
е.g. I've just seen that new musical. — `What is it `called?
b) In general questions, conveying mildly surprised acceptance of the listener's premises; sometimes sounding sceptical, but without the impatience of Pattern X. (The question is put forward as a subject for discussion.)
е.g. Shall we try again? — Well 'would it be any `use?
3. In imperatives, sounding lively; suggesting a course of action to the listener.
е.g. The tea's too hot. — `Put some more `milk in it.
4. In exclamations, conveying mild surprise but without the affront of Pattern X.
е.g. Look, it's snowing. — `Oh, `yes!