The stress in compound and polysyllabic words

THE RISING TONES (HIGH, LOW), THEIR USAGE AND MODAL MEANING

THE LOW RISE

Description: The voice rises during the stressed syllable from a low to a medium pitch or a little above.

e.g. ‚Right. ‚Wonderful.

Use:

The Low Rise gives a feeling of non-finality, incompleteness to utterances in which it is used as nuclear tone, often indicating the speaker's casual attitude towards, lack of interest in, or detachment from the subject-matter. This tone is often preceded by a Low Level Head which practically does not change the meaning conveyed by this tone. A Low Rise preceded by a High Pre-Head or a High Level Head expresses consideration for the listener. It introduces a friendly atmosphere.

e.g. ¯Very ‚good, ˙sir. I 'wish you ˙good ‚luck.

A Low Rise may indicate incompleteness. In this case the tone is often preceded by a Gradually Descending Stepping Head.

e.g. If you 'want to 'leave the ‚room, | you have to' ask for per‘mission.

When preceded by an Ascending Stepping Head this tone may express amiability, superiority and self assurance

e.g. Just 'do as you’re ‚told.

THE HIGH RISE

Description: the voice rises during the stressed syllable from a low or medium to a high pitch.

‛Fine? ‛Wonderful?

Use: this tone gives the feeling of non-finality, questioning, expressing interest, surprise, asking for repetition. This tone has a strong interrogative force – it transforms any sentence-type into a question:

– 'Let’s meet at ‘ten. – At ‛ten?

The basic meaning of the tone does not depend on the head preceding it.