2.2. Tone Group I
TONE GROUP I
(Low Pre-Head+) Low Fall (+Low Tail)
Low Pre-Head: all the syllables in the low pre-head are said on the sane rather low pitch.
Low Fall: the voice falls during the word from a medium to a very low pitch.
Low Tail: the unstressed syllables forming the low tail are pronounced on the lowest level pitch. Tone Group I is used with final, categoric, calm, reserved statements; сalm, serious, flat, reserved statements; calm, serious, flat, reserved special question; calm, unemotional, serious imperatives and interjections.
Tone Group I may also be used with general questions to put the question forward as a suggestion or a subject for discussion. Again the general attitude is phlegmatic, reserved.
Drill I. Listen carefully to the conversational situations. Concentrate your attention on the intonation of the replies. Repeat these sentences after the speaker:
Drill II. Read the following sentences using the intonation patterns of Tone Group I. Mark the intonation. Define the communicative type and the attitudinal meaning.
You are always dissatisfied. I'm a school teacher. Well, who exactly? Give it to me. Pity. Well, take it, then. Where is it? Fine. Be quiet for a minute. At last. I think so. Thank you. Which one? Certainly, professor. Repeat it.
Drill III.
A. Give brief answers. Make them sound final, categoric, reserved.
Model: When are you to meet him?
At five.
What's your name? How old are you? What are you? Where are you from? How many brothers have you? What is the capital of France? When is he coming?
Ask a question to make the task more precise. Make your questions sound calm, serious, flat, reserved.
Model: Open the window.
Which one?
You are to do some exercises. You'll have to come. Pass me the book, please. Someone will have to help me. Do it again. Go and see them. Ask her to come later.
C. Make up imperative sentences. Make them sound calm, serious, unemotional.
Model: Ask your friend to explain something to somebody. -Explain it to him.
Ask your friend: to come with you, to note something for you; to phone you, to ask for something; to call for you; to listen to something; to stop somebody.
D. Show your indifference to the subject of the conversation while thanking and exclaiming. Models I'm ready.' - Fine.
Would you like some coffee? He's here. I've told them. I've lost my pen. They say he's against it. They won't help us. He promised to give it to me.
Drill IV. Read the following dialogue using Tone Group I intonation patterns where you think they are suitable. Mind that the driver sounds final and reserved. Get it recorded and hand in the tape:
A. Do you know you were breaking the speed limit, sir?
B. I don't think I was, officer.
A. Oh, yes, you were. Could I have your name, please?
B. George Anderson.
A. And are you the owner of the car?
B. Yes. Why?
A. Could I see your licence, please?
B. All right.
A. Oh, yes. And your insurance certificate.
B. It's at home.
A. Well, you'll have to bring it to the police station.
B. 1 will.
A. Excuse me, sir, have you been drinking?
B. Certainly not.
A. I see.