In standard Received Pronunciation (RP), a speaker says: 'Would you like tea or coffee?' with a rising tone on the word 'tea' and a falling tone on the word 'coffee'. Which of the following best describes this intonation pattern and its communicative function?
- It is an alternative question intonation contour, indicating that the listener must choose strictly between the options presented.Cevap
- BIt is a polar (Yes/No) question intonation contour, inviting the listener to answer simply 'yes' or 'no'.
- CIt is an open listing intonation contour, implying that additional beverage choices beyond tea and coffee are readily available.
- DIt is an emphatic command intonation contour, expressing speaker impatience and demanding a prompt decision.
Cevap
The utterance uses an alternative question intonation contour (rising tone on the first option, falling tone on the final option), indicating that the choice is limited to the items named.
In standard Received Pronunciation (RP), alternative questions feature a rise-fall intonation pattern—rising on the initial choice(s) and falling on the final choice. This rise-fall contour signals to the listener that the options provided are exhaustive and closed, requiring a choice between the stated items.
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Anahtar Kavram
Intonation Contours in Alternative Questions