P&P 2. Prosodic Features

Question 1

What are the FOUR main prosodic features?

Answer 1

1. Stress
2. Pitch & Intonation
3. Tempo
4. Volume

Question 2

Stress meaning

Answer 2

Certain syllables in words receive the main or primary stress. USUALLY first syllable (noun) second syllable (verb.)

Question 3

Pitch & Intonation meaning

Answer 3

Pitch refers to the ‘heigh’ of the sound in auditory terms. We often speak with a highten pitch when we become ‘excited.’

Intonation refers to the pattern of pitch changes in speech. It focuses on the pattern made by rising and falling pitch. Can indicate attitudes or emotions about what’s being said.

Question 4

Tempo meaning

Answer 4

Refers to the speed at which we SPEAK.
Fast Speech= Excitement / nervousness
Slow Speech = Thoughtfulness

Question 5

Volume meaning

Answer 5

Volume is the loudness of our speech. This feature can indicate emotion or attitudes towards what is being said.

Question 6

Paralinguistic Features examples

Answer 6

• Hand gestures
• Facial expressions
• Acts (crying, spitting )
• Breathe
• Eye Contact