2.7. Tone Group VI
TONE GROUP VI
(Low Pre-Head+) Low Rise (+Rising Tail)
Low Rise: the voice rises during the word from a low to a medium pitch or a little above.
Tone Group VI is used in non-final, not categoric statements reserving judgment, expressing reproving criticism or resentful contradiction. It is often used for continuative purposes, to show that there is more to be said, as, for example, in enumerations. Tone Group VI is also used in disapproving, slightly wondering, mildly puzzled special questions; in disapproving and sceptical general questions; in calmly warning imperatives and in short interjections reserving judgement and implying calm, casual acknowledgement of a not unexpected matter.
Tone Group VI often occurs with question tags. One must remember that question tags with Tone Group I and III invite confirmation of the speaker's view while question tags with Tone Group VI show that the speaker has not made up his mind about the thing and is genuinely concerned to have the listener's view.
Drill I. Listen carefully to the conversational situations. Concentrate your attention on the intonation of the replies. Repeat these sentences after the speaker:
Drill II. Read the sentences and comment on the attitude rendered by the Low Rise in different communicative types of sentences.
We do. I think so. Of course. Continue. With who? Since you insist. Are you sure? Be careful. At what time, did you say? Inhale. Do you think so?
Drill III. Ask questions in a slightly wondering and mildly puzzled way about the following remarks. Get the questions recorded.
Model: I put it in the waste-paper basket - Where did you put it? I met Mr. Adams yesterday. I saw her at the theatre. He asked Mrs. Andrews to help him. My elder son is twenty-five. They live in Liverpool. I hit my knee on the fridge. You must take this tonic three times a day after meals. He married Miss Joans. I phoned him this morning. My daughter-in-law went to Medical School.
Drill IV. Mark the intonation in the following sentences rendering the attitudes given in brackets. Get the sentences recorded.
I think I shall (non-final, not categoric, reserving judgement). Whose coat is this? (mildly puzzled), Does he really mean what he says? (sceptical). Good for you (calm, casual acknowledgement). Can we get there by ten? (sceptical). If you insist (reserving judgement). Stop it (calmly warning). What's she going to do about it? (disapproving).
Drill V.
Read the following disjunctive questions, making the tags sound as if you were asking for correction or confirmation.
Your name is Robinson, isn't it? You won't be here tonight, will you? You like children, don't you? You speak Italian, don't you? She's teaching English, isn't she? They will come, won't they? We can't go there today, can we? He won't be here tomorrow, will he?
Read the following disjunctive questions. Be sure that you don't expect any answer and use the tag for purely conversational purposes.
It's a nice day today, isn't it? Mr. Smith is a teacher, isn't he? She hasn't gone to Moscow, has she? Let me see, it's Wednesday today, isn't it? We must make a start soon, mustn't we? He was surprised, wasn't he? It's my turn, isn't it? You don't mind, do you
Drill VI. Read the following dialogue using Tone Group VI intonation patterns where you think they are suitable. Get it recorded and hand in the tape.
He says they'll both come.
Can John come?
He said he might if he had time.
But will he have time in fact? And what about Nick?
He says his mind's quite made up.
Does he really mean what he says?
Well
Oughtn't he to ask his mother first?
I don't think she'll have anything against it.
Do you really think so? Hadn't we better phone and find out for certain?
Perhaps I will, then
Will you?
-If you like. Do you want him to come?
Yes, why?
He's a bore.
Is he? If you really mean it. You just don't want him to join us, do you?
I don't
Am I to take that as final?
Absolutely.