The stress in compound and polysyllabic words

THE INTONATION OF ENUMERATION

Enumeration in simple sentences is represented by a number of homogeneous parts. Each of them is pronounced as a separate intonation group.

The terminal tone of the final intonation group depends on the communicative type of the sentence. The terminal tone of the non-final intonation groups may be different. The Low Rise or the Mid Level are used to show there is more to be said.

Frequently each following intonation group is pronounced a bit lower than the preceding one: e.g. I 'bought some ‚socks, | ‚shirts | and ‘ties.

e.g. 'All he 'does is ‚sleep, | ‚eat | and ‘play.

e.g. There are 'six ‘rooms in my flat: | 'two ‚bedrooms, | a ‚living-room, | a ‚dining-room, | a ‚kitchen | and a ‘study.

If the enumeration is not completed the final intonation group is pronounced with the Low Rise or with the Mid Level: e.g. You can have po‚tatoes, | ‚carrots, |‚cabbages.

In case the speaker wishes the enumeration to be regarded as separate items of interest the Low Fall is used. Such sentences are pronounced in a slow deliberate way and with longer pauses: e.g. I had to do ‘cooking, | ‘cleaning, | and ‘shopping.