High Fall (Low Pre-Head +) High Fall (+ Tail)
Model :
Why didn’t you buy the picture? - ˋ
Much too ex
pensive.
. .
Stress –and – tone marks in the text: High Fall | ` |
The High Fall in the nucleus starts very high and usually reaches the lowest pitch. The
syllables of the tail are pronounced on the Low level.
The High Fall provides a greater degree of prominence for the word, making it
emphatic. The degree of prominence depends on the height of the fall.
This intonation pattern is used:
1)
In statements , conveying personal concern or involvement, sounding lively,
interested, airy; very common in conversation.
e.g. Do you know the man? `No (I `don’t) `Yes (I `do) Where is my copy? `Peter
took it
for you. 2) In questions: a)
In special questions , sounding lively, interested.
e.g. I shall be late, I’m afraid. ` How
late? b)
In general questions , conveying mildly surprised acceptance of the listener’s
premises.
e.g. I like it here. ` Do you? ( I thought you’d hate it) 3)
In imperatives, sounding warm.
e.g. What’s the matter?
