2.10. Tone Group IX
TONE GROUP IX
(Low Pre-Head+) (Sliding Head+) Fall-Rise (+Low Tail)
Fall-Rise: the voice first fells from a fairly high to a rather low pitch, and then, still within the word, rises to a medium pitch.
Sliding Head: the pattern of the accented syllables is exactly that found in the stepping head, the first high, the second lower, and so on, but the unaccented syllables are treated differently: instead of being said on the same pitch as the previous accented syllable they form a descending sequence, the first lower than the accented syllable, the second lower still, and so on The last syllable of such a sequence may be on a very low pitch indeed but in any case it will always be lower in pitch than the starting pitch of the following accented syllable.
Tone Group IX is often used in incomplete groups, where the Fall-Rise draws particular attention to one element for the purpose of contrast, and at the same time shows an intention to continue the utterance:
On weekdays |I work, |I but on Saturdays |I don't.
In complete groups this contrasting of one thing with another is used for the purpose of selecting one aspect of the whole subject for comment:
Will you have dinner with us? – I will | if I can.
Tone Group IX is used in grudgingly admitting, concerned, reproachful, hurt, tentatively suggesting statements; surprising, interested questions (in echoed questions the effect is of astonishment); in urgently warning (often with a note of reproach) imperatives and scornful interjections.
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 following sentences using the intonation patterns of Tone Group IX. Mark the intonation.
Six are left. Next week will suit me. Watch for the turning. I hope you don't want to miss it. You may if you are in a hurry. Mind the step. I don't want to be unfair. Quick. Besides this one. Yes. Pardon my disturbing you again.
Drill IIІ. Listen to four situational dialogues "The Weather". Pick out sentences with Tone Group IX. Say what attitude is rendered.
Drill IV. Read the verbal context and translate the replies into English. Pronounce them. Mind the implication given in brackets. Mark the intonation.
Did she pass her exams? - Вона здала перший (а з іншими їй не пощастило).
There were forty people there. - Двадцять (а не сорок).
I see you are dissatisfied. - He те, щоби я був зовсім незадоволений, але мені це не дуже сподобалося
Let's go alone. - Це досить небезпечно.
It's no use trying. - Нема чого і намагатися робити це в такий спосіб (Але є і інші).
She's nice, isn't she? - Вона розумна (але не така вже й гарна).
It's impossible - Якщо тобі це не подобається (для чого казати, що це неможливо).
Don't forget to phone John tomorrow. - Нагадай мені про це (це ж тобі потрібно).
Have you read Shakespeare? - Чи я чигав? (Безумовно, читав, що за питання).
Are there many mistakes in her dictation? - He надто багато (але могло бути менше).
Drill V. Read the following dialogue using Tone Group IX intonation patterns where you think they are suitable. Get the dialogue recorded.
Well we'd better make a list of the people we're going to invite. There's the Smiths and John...
We ought to invite John.
But not the Smiths? All right But Chris Smith is rather nice, I think.
Yes, Chris is.
I suppose his wife is slightly strange. She's attractive though.
She's certainly attractive.
She has a charming voice too.
She has a charming voice.
I see you are jealous! But you must admit she looks beautiful.
She looks beautiful.
I don't understand women. Most people think Smith is very lucky.
They don't know his wife.
Oh you are impossible. Their children are very sweet.
They certainly look sweet.
Well they did throw milk over the walls when they were here but children are like that.
It wasn't only milk.
All right. All right. Well, I suppose we must ask the Browns and Mark and Stephen...