Intonation of straightforward statements

Common features of normal conversational formulas (expressions of gratitude, apologies, farewells).

According to the degree of politeness expressed, it is possible to divide conversational formulas of all types into 3 broad groups: normal (neutral), friendly (very polite, warm, lively), casual (perfunctory). In each type of conversational formulas (Greetings, Expressions of Gratitude, etc.) these three groups are distinguished in oral speech by intonation.

The common feature of all friendly formulas is that they are pronounced with a Falling-Rising tone (Undivided or Divided), preceded by a high level or a sliding head (if there is any):

Thanks a /lot. Good-^vbye.

All casual formulas take a Low-Rising tone preceded by a low prenuclear part (prehead or head):

Hallo.

Not at /all.

That's all /right. • ^ /Sorry.

Such phrases are used between people on familiar terms, who meet regularly, or in a situation where the expression of gratitude or apology is but a mere formality.

Normal Greetings, Expressions of Gratitude and Apologies are characterized by the Falling nuclear tone, generally combined with a high level or stepping head and low or high prehead.

Conversational formulas called normal (neutral) are suitable in various kinds of situations. Depending on, the wording and the speaker's voice-colouring they may sound sincere and serious or formal and brisk.

It must be noted that some of the formulas tend to be pronounced with one pattern more frequently than with any other. Thus, "Excuse me" used initially in a conversation most typically has a Falling-Rising tone:

— Excuse me. Can you 'show me the way to the 'nearest hotel? "Pardon", when used interrogatively, is always said with a High Rise:

— Who's that boy? -'Pardon?

These are statements which convey information in a straight­forward manner without any implications. They are pro­nounced with the nuclear Falling tone (high, mid or 1 о w) which is normally carried by the last important word of an ut­terance and is commonly combined with a high level head:

— 'What 'time shall we meet?

— 'Let's make it "Monday afternoon.

Whenever it is necessary to give more prominence to all or some of the words in the prenuclear part of an utterance a stepping head (which may have a broken variant) or a s 1 i d i n g (fal­ling) h e a d are used:

a) — 'Has he ever Worked as a teacher? — He 'used to be a 'tutor at'London'UniVersity.

b) — 'Did she 'show you her birthday /presents? — Yes. She got a lovely 'present from her aunt.

Statements pronounced with any of the pitch varieties of the Falling tone are final, complete, definite and categoric in meaning. At the same time each of them conveys a different attitude of the speaker to the situation and to the listener. Thus, straightforward statements with a High Fall sound light, energetic and have the effect of the speaker's personal involvement in.the situation. A Low Fall gives a considered, serious and weighty note to a statement. Statements with a Mid Fall convey a neutral, calm and quiet attitude:

1. — What will you 'do next?

— I'll 'add some 'dry fruit.

2. — 'Where shall meet you?

— 'Near the booking-office.

3. — Why did he 'run away?

— I 'haven't the 'slightest idea.

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