Tone languages

In tone languages like Mandarin, pitch can be used to identify words. For example, liu spoken with one tone pattern means flow , but when spoken with a different tone pattern means six . In our model, this is a purely suprasegmental effect and treated in just the same way as nasalization is used to distinguish words in English. Mandarin of comse has intonation also, which is used for all the same affects as English. The fact that intonation and parts of word identity are expressed in the same acoustic variable, does of course complicate analysis and synthesis somewhat, but with modem synthesis techniques we can model both without difficulty. 

Observing as projector being open to visual and other nonverbal signals as clues to what the recipient is hearing/understanding, and adapting tone, volume, pace and language appropriately. 

As mentioned above, a Results section is descriptive, not interpretive. At times, the difference between description and interpretation can be subtle this difference is often a matter of word choice. One way to keep your Results section descriptive is to use precise language. By avoiding overly positive or negative words that are not particularly precise, such as excellent, very good, or poor, and using more neutral terms instead, such as high or low, you can maintain a descriptive tone in your Results section. Even better, you can replace qualitative terms with more precise, quantitative values. Consider the following examples ... 

Recall that a thesis statement directly refers to and takes a stand on the topic. It should be no longer than one sentence. A confident tone and clear, concise language are also hallmarks of great thesis statements. 

The tone of the text should be formal without being stilted. Avoid legal language on the one hand and colloquial or informal language on the other. 

Think about how tone is created in speech. When you say sure, the tone changes according to how loudly or sofdy you say the word and how slowly or quickly you say it. Tone is also conveyed (or supported) by the speaker s expressions and body language. In writing, of course, you do not have these visual resources, but you do have plenty of clues to help you determine tone. Those clues come from the elements of language and style that you ve studied so far point of view, diction, and style. 

It may help you to think of a sentence as a collection of ingredients (words and phrases) that result in a dish (idea). These elements of language and style are like the spices that you need to give that sentence a certain flavor. Different spices will result in a different flavor (tone). 

An ability to determine tone is an essential component of reading comprehension. Often, writers will let their tone convey their meaning, so you need to look carefully for clues in the writer s language and style to determine how writers want their words to sound. 

In the final poem for today, by American poet Stephen Crane, see if you can determine the theme of the poem by looking at both the action of the poem and its language (diction, style, and tone). As before, begin by reading the poem carefully, first out loud and then with pen in hand. 

The detail and style of referral letters should be appropriate to the person to whom they are addressed (e.g., the language for the family physician is a little different from that for the psychiatrist see Table 9.5). They should be absolutely professional and empathic in tone and, if pos-... 

Using these criteria, there can be a variety of reasons to be skeptical about information that is presented on a website. Lack of authorship or date, vague or sweeping generalizations, overstated significance and extreme tone or language - all mark the information presented as suspect. The credibility of information is also diminished by the absence of source documentation, personal testimonials as the only information sources, and purported miracle cures recommended in lieu of well-established scientific or medical protocols. 

Formal language is found in important documents and in serious, often ceremonial, speeches. Characteristics include an elevated—but not pretentious—tone, no contractions, and correct grammar. Formal writing... 

B. The following sentences contain words and phrases that interfere with the sincere, reasonable tone good writers try to create. Rewrite each sentence, replacing sarcasm, sentimentality, cuteness, invective, and pretentiousness with more appropriate language. 

Describe Keillor s tone in this essay. What is the effect, for example, of such phrases as your writing stuff, take it easy, and a long day spent among the wahoos and savages on the essay s level of formality What do Keillor s uses of figurative language ( the telephone is to shyness what Hawaii is to February ) and even capitalization ( A Nice Person ) add to the overall tone of the essay Is this tone effective for this essay Why/why not ... 

Why does the editorial board include such language as heart-rending story (1), well-intentional effort (5), bruised feelings of wounded grandparents (8), and understandable emotions (9) when discussing the opposition What sort of tone is created and why ... 

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