Theory of phonetics

Low-Level tone is very characteristic of reading poetry. Though occasionally heard Mid-Level tone is particularly common in spontaneous speech functionally replacing the rising tone. This intonation pattern is usually used in non-final intonation groups expressing non-finality without any impression of expectancy.
The nucleus and the tail form what is called terminal tone. The two other sections of the intonation pattern are the head and the pre-head which form the pre-nuclear part of the intonation pattern and, like the tail, they may be considered as optional elements. The different types of pre-nucleus do not affect the grammatical meaning of the sentence but they can convey something of the speaker’s attitudes.
Two more pitch parameters which can considerably modify the pitch contour of the pitch-and-stress structure are pitch ranges and pitch levels of the whole intonation pattern or each of its sections. Variations in pitch range occur within the normal range of the human voice.
1. middle placing – “unmarked”
P lacing in voice range 1. a) raising placing attitude /
p resupposes 2. b) lowering placing emotions
Three pitch ranges are distinguished: normal, wide, narrow.

Normal Wide Narrow
The pitch range of a whole intonation unit is in fact the interval between the highest-pitched and the lowest-pitched syllables.
Let’s consider some examples of the known pitch span

“squeak range”

normal speaking range

“growl range”


1Hallo 2Hallo 3Hallo
1Hallo – a Middle Fall. There is no particular attitude. This is the “unmarked”,
“newspapers” manner of speaking.
2Hallo – Some attitude is indicated. It is said with a smile and a breathy quality in the
voice. You are happy or exited; use friendly gestures and “warm” voice.
3Hallo – refusal to express emotions.
1. medium - unmarked