Functions of Intonation 2 Chapter 19 Accentual function

Functions of Intonation 2 Chapter 19

Accentual function of intonation accent = placement of stress is determined by intonation

Tonic stress is linked to intonation to indicate: • Focus on information Where are leaving? • Emphasis I have plans to leave (I’m leaving) I have plans to leave (diagrams)

Grammatical function of intonation A) The role of tone –unit boundary to indicate: • ambiguity Those who sold quickly made a profit • Grammatical structure The girls who came are pleased (restrictive) The girls who came are pleased (non-restrictive)

B) The role of the choice of tone on tonic-syllable : • Rise- question • Fall- statement (fall) when speaker is certain that the information is correct e. g. She’s coming today isn’t she • Tag- questions (rise) request for information because speaker is uncertain e. g. She’s coming today isn’t she

Discourse function of intonation covers 2 areas: 1. Attention focusing on information content: e. g I’ve got to take the dog for a walk I’ve got to take the dog to the vet last time I saw you I was on a diet 1. Regulation of conversational behavior : To mark the beginning and end of a turn

Conclusion Attitudinal , accentual and grammatical are different aspects of discourse function Attitudinal discourse Grammatical Accentual