The author's words preceding direct speech

The author's words introducing the direct speech form an intonation-group and are usually pronounced with the mid-level, low-falling or low-rising nuclear tone.

(Low pre-head +) low head + low rise (+ tail)

Stress-and-tone marks in the text: a stressed syllable of the low head: | 􀊜􀊜 |

In the usual form of the low head, all the syllables contained in it are said on the same, rather low pitch.

This intonation pattern is used:

1. I n s t a t e m e n t s, encouraging further conversation; reprovingly critical, guarded, reserving

judgement, appealing to the listener to change his attitude.

e. g. I'm just back from seeing my mother. - I 􀊜􀊜trust you 􀊜􀊜found her /well.

Take no notice of him. - We must 􀊜􀊜do as he /says.

2. I n q u e s t i o n s:

a) s p e c i a l q u e s t i o n s, calm, but very disapproving.

e. g. I don't agree. - 􀊜􀊜Why /not?

b) g e n e r a l q u e s t i o n s, expressing disapproval, scepticism.

e. g. I'm sorry, Mummy. - 􀊜􀊜Are you /really sorry?

3. I n i m p e r a t i v e s, reprovingly critical, resentful.

e. g. He'll let me have it by Monday. - 􀊜􀊜Don't be 􀊜􀊜too /sure.

4. I n e x c l a m a t i o n s, calm, reserving judgement, expressing casual acknowledgement.

e. g. You can have it if you like. - 􀊜􀊜Thanks very /much.

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