University of Central Florida (UCF) SPA3112 Basic Phonetics Midterm Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 400

How is intonation related to speech?

It determines the speed of conversation

It varies the pitch to convey meaning

Intonation is fundamentally connected to speech as it involves the variation of pitch over the course of an utterance. This variation in pitch plays a crucial role in conveying meaning beyond the literal words spoken. For example, a rising intonation at the end of a sentence often indicates a question, while a falling intonation may signal a statement or completion. This use of pitch allows speakers to express emotions, emphasize certain words or phrases, and clarify the intended message.

In speech, intonation can change the interpreted meaning of an entire sentence, making it vital for effective communication. A sentence can come across as a question, an assertion, or even an invitation depending on the speaker's intonation patterns. Therefore, understanding and using intonation correctly is key to conveying the right message and enhancing communication.

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It identifies grammatical errors

It eliminates the need for punctuation

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