Stylistic use of intonation

Intonation plays a central role in stylistic differentiation of oral texts.

The uses of intonation in this function show that the information is, in many cases, impossible to separate from lexical and grammatical meanings expressed by words and constructions in a language (verbal context) and from the co-occurring situational information (non-verbal context). The meaning of intonation cannot be judged in isolation.

One of the objectives of phonostylistics is the study of intonational functional styles. An INTONATIONAL STYLE can be defined as a system of interrelated intonational means which is used in a certain social sphere and serves a definite aim in communication.

Sokolova distinguishes 5 style categories:

(1) informational (formal) style; (2) scientific (academic) style; (3) declamatory style; (4) publicistic style; (5) familiar (conversational) style.

Intonational styles distinction is based on the assumption that there are three types of information present in communication: (a) intellectual, (b) emotional, (c) volitional. Consequently, there are three types of int. patterns: (a) intonation patterns used for intellectual purposes, (b) for emotional and attitudinal purposes, (с for volitional.

All intonational styles include intellectual intonation patterns, because the aim of any kind of intercourse is to express some intellectual information. The frequency of occurrence of emotional and volitional patterns is dif. in each style.

- INFORMATIONAL predominance of intellectual int. patterns. The task set is to communicate information without giving it any emotional evaluation. Used by radio and television announcers when reading weather forecasts, news, etc. or in various official situations.

- In SCIENTIFIC intellectual and volitional patterns are used. The speaker's purpose is not only to prove a hypothesis, to create new concepts, etc., but also to direct the listener's attention to the message. Used by university lecturers, schoolteachers, or by scientists in formal and informal discussions;

- In DECLAMATORY the intellectual, volitional and emotional. The speaker's aim is to appeal simultaneously to the mind, the will and feelings of the listener. Used in stage speech, classroom recitation, verse-speaking or in reading aloud fiction.

- PUBLICISTIC predominance of volitional patterns. The aim is to convince him that the speaker's interpretation is the only correct. By political speech-makers, radio and television commentators, judges

- The usage of FAMILIAR is typical of the English of everyday life. It occurs both within a family group and in informal external relationships, in the speech of intimate friends or well-acquainted people.