SECTION TWO. Intonation Pattern IX. High fall
(LOW PRE-HEAD + ) HIGH FALL (+ TAIL)
Model: Why didn't you buy the picture?
— Much too ex,pensive.
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.)
EXERCISES
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