Fall-rising tones in questions

THEME: “Fall-rising tones in questions”
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF FINANCE TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE
ISFT – 2023
Student: Isakova Sevinch
Group: FLK.01
Teacher: Yusupova Nasiba
SELF STUDY

Today, I’d like to take some time to discuss one of the most confusing and multifarious tone forms in English – arguably the most awkward of the three main forms: the Fall-Rise.

• Today, I’d like to take some time to discuss one of the most confusing and multifarious tone forms in English – arguably the most awkward of the three main forms: the Fall-Rise.
• First, how it is made? We call it Fall-Rise but in fact we don’t usually hear the fall, unless the tone occurs on a single syllable.
• The best way to practise a Fall-Rise is to split it into three parts: 1. The High first part – roughly the highest pitch in the /ŋ/ exercise. 2. The silent ”fall” where the voice relaxes to the lowest pitch in the /ŋ/ exercise (but don’t voice the sound of the fall!) 3. The ”Rise” over the remaining syllables, back to the highest pitch again.

Here are some expressions which can be commonly-heard with a Fall-Rise tone, and that anyone might encounter on a daily basis. Practise putting a Fall-Rise on them:

• Here are some expressions which can be commonly-heard with a Fall-Rise tone, and that anyone might encounter on a daily basis. Practise putting a Fall-Rise on them:
• Mummy… / Daddy… (a child about to ask for something they’re not sure they can have) Is it? Really? Have you? Did you? Are you? (curiosity, interest) Could you…? Will you…? Can I…? May I…? (polite requests of all kinds) Yes… / Well… (when not certain if you really want to say yes or no)
• As I also mentioned before, there is overall a consistent and easily-grasped system of intonation which is based on Function (are you asking, or telling?) and Attitude (how do you feel about what you’re saying / how do you want listeners to feel about it?)
• The Fall-Rise tone is particularly well-known for being an attitude tone, but exactly what kind of attitude is being conveyed is very much a matter of context. I must again point to facial expression and body language, because with this particular tone form, accompanying non-verbal communication is a vital clue to its purpose. This is simply because the Fall-Rise has so many uses, that by itself its meaning is not always obvious.