The intonation systems of English

The Intonation Systems of English provides an introduction to the current state of functional linguistic studies in the intonation of English (i.e. standard, educated, British English). It is aimed at both undergraduate and postgraduate students whose main aim is to acquire a descriptive framework of the English language, and thus the book parallels corresponding books in phonology, syntax, lexis, discourse, etc.

The book follows a sequence of topics that has been successfully presented in a programme of lectures and incorporates student exercises which have been classroom-trialled.

Intonation has traditionally not received the same degree of attention that has been accorded to the study of consonants, vowels, rhythm and word stress. During the last two decades, however, linguists have been turning to intonation in a more systematic fashion as a result of interest in discourse studies. As a result, much more is now known.

The main objective of this book is to convince the reader that the forms and meanings of English intonation can be described with considerable precision, despite the common opinion that intonation is highly subjective. Intended not only for students of linguistics and English language, the book also contains information ideal for consideration by language teachers, speech therapists, drama students and other professions that rely heavily upon the spoken word.