Explanation
The pattern of speech melody across syllables, words, and utterances. In the atlas, intonation is explored as the relationship between form, expectation, and effect. It brings attitude and sentence function to the fore at a level above the individual words.
Example
“Are you coming?” with a rising intonation pattern.
Counterexample
Volume alone does not constitute an intonation contour.
Distinction
Volume alone does not constitute an intonation contour.
Effect on thought and perception
The concept brings attitude and sentence function to the fore at a level above the individual words. As a result, a linguistic order that was previously taken for granted becomes perceptible as an active thought process.
Resonance
Resonance arises when intonation is not only recognized but also experienced in its directional effect between expression, body, context, and interpretation.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Intonation“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-091-017. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-091-017The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.