IC 2a can also be used in special questions. With the nuclear tone on the interrogative word a special question sounds wondering, mildly puzzled.

E.g. How many times must you read the text?

Where shall we go?

When the nuclear tone follows the interrogative word the question sounds calm but very disapproving.

E.g. Where have you been all this time?

Who’s going to pay for it?

4. Tag interrogatives pronounced with the low- rise show that the speaker expects the listener to confirm the fact he stated; in other words, he means to provoke the listener’s reaction. The element of uncertainty is very often apparent when the low-rising intonation is used in tag questions.

E.g. You know about it, don’t you?

He’s passed, hasn’t he?

When the low-fall is used in tag interrogatives, the speaker conveys the impression that he is not only convinced that what he says is right, but also that he is sure that the listener agrees.

5. The most usual way of pronouncing alternative questions is to make two sense-groups and to use the low- rising tone in the first sense-group and the low-falling tone in the last one.

E.g. Would you like tea| or coffee?

The final fall shows that these are the only choices and that the list is complete.

6. Commands and requestspronounced with IC 2 sound soothing, encouraging, calmly patronizing.

IC 2a in commands beginning with “Don’t” sounds reprovingly critical, resentful; in a few short commands – calmly warning, exhortative.

E.g. Don’t do that a gain.

Slowly.

Be careful.

7. IC 2 is used to express airy, casualyet encouraging, often friendly exclamations. They sound brighter when IC 2 is used.

E.g. Well done!

Good luck!

Don’t let him bully you.

IC 2a is used when the speaker is reserving judgement or casually acknowledging a fact.

E. g. Thanks! Nice work!

Theory sheet 7:

Intonation Contours 3 and 3a.

Date: 2016-01-03; view: 597