SUPRASEGMENTAL
USE APPROPRIATE SUPRASEGMENTAL:
Pitch, stress, juncture and intonation
PITCH the loudness and lowness of our voice we use pitch to give subtle
meaning to senten
There are four contrastive levels of pitch: low (1), middle(2), high (3),and very
high (4).
RISING INTONATION MEANS THE PITCH OF THE VOIXE RISES OVER TIME AND IS
USED IN THE FOLLOWING;
GENERAL QUESTIONS; was she glad to SEE him?
DEPENDENT OR INTRODUCTORY QUESTIONS ( BEFORE ‘or’): would you like
an Appleor a PEAR?
DIRECT ADDRESS: SIR, you dropped your noteBOOK.
ENUMERATING ITEMS IN A LIST ; she bought bread,cheese,and toMATOES.
TAG QUESTIONS( WHEN the speaker is not sure that the answer will be ‘yes’ or
wants your opinion)
It’s beautiful TOWN ISNT ‘ it ? ( the speaker thinks that this town is beautiful but ask
for your opinion and confirmation)
Stress
Refers to emphasis or prominence given to a certain syllable in a word phrase or
sentences . the syllabes in english words hav three degrees of prominence ; primary,
secondary and weak.
Juncture
These juncture play a cruacial role in speech rhythm and meaning. Lets explore the three
symbols of juncture ;
The manner of moving
1. between two successive Single bar juncture(/); this symbol indicates the need for a
syllables in speech. A slight pause between two thought groups within a sentence.
cue by means in which 2.Double bar (//) ; it signifies a longer pause between
listener can distinguish
two thought groups in a sentence .
between two otherwise
3. identical sequences of Double cross juncture (#); this symbol also represents as pause
, sounds that have but it typically indicates a more significant break between
different meanings thouht groups.
EXAMPLES :
The principal said / the teacher is incompetent
The principal / said the teacher/ is incompetent
Intonation
Intonation is a complex system of meaning communicated through the rise and fall of a
speaker’s voice.
FALLING INTONATION MEANS THAT THE PITCH FALLS WITH TIME.
Statements (declarative sentences): we live in MOScow
Special Questions : where do you LIVE ?
Commands (imperative sentences):STOP it! Sit DOwn.
Exclamatory sentences : what a wonderful SURprise!
