Intonation in German Oral Presentations

1. Intonation in GermanOral Presentations

2. Tone • The tone of a presentation allows us to judge the speaker’s emotions. • Tone is often shown in the pitch difference between words. • In some languages (such as Mandarin Chinese) tone can make a difference to the meaning of a word. Ichkommeaus Deutschland. Ichwohne in Berlin. Tip: Deliver your presentation with the emotion you want to convey

3. Sentence Stress • Each sentence has at least one stress point. • In short sentences there is often only one stress point. • Syllables that are stressed are spoken more slowly, louder and more clearly. Syllables that are unstressed are spoken faster, quieter and less clearly. • Sentence stress changes meaning. • Sentence stress Katrin fährt heute mit dem Zug nach München. Katrin fährt heute mit dem Zug nach München. Katrin fährt heute mit dem Zug nach München. Katrin fährt heute mit dem Zug nach München. Tip: Consider what to stress in your presentation. What is important?

4. In German there are three main sentence melodies: Falling melody is used in assertions; in questions with question words; in questions with contrasts; in imperatives Rising melody is used in questions without questions words; in closed questions; where questions are not grammatically marked as such 3. Falling-rising melody is used in enumerations; often in complex sentences • Sentence melody Falling melody: Bettina kommtaus Deutschland. Rising melody: Kommt Bettina aus Deutschland? Falling-rising melody: Bettina kommtaus Deutschland, abersiewohntjetzt in Portugal. Tip: Consider the purpose of the sentence. Are you giving information? Asking for information? Making a command?

5. Rhythm describes the regular and flowing reiteration of a sequence of stressed and unstressed syllables in a language. Rhythm is often used to teach children language. Abzählreim Eins, zwei, drei, vier, fünf, sechs, sieben Eine alte Frau kocht Rüben Eine alte Frau kocht Speck Und du bist weg • Rhythm Tip: Try learning numbers or letters of the alphabet using rhythm. You may find it easier to recall them.

6. Pauses in sentences help you • to organise sentences into logical smaller intonation groups • to separate sentences or paragraphs • to catch breath • to emphasize information to come • They also help your listener to process the information they receive • Pauses Vordem Frühstück lese ich jeden Morgen die Zeitung und höre Radio. Tip: If you use a script, consider where are you are going to stop and breathe. Mark pauses on your script.

7. Tempo shows the speed of speech. In comparison to Russian, for example, German uses a faster tempo. Tempo of speech is considered crucial for allowing the listener to process the information. • Tempo Nach dem Kindergarten gehen alle Kinder mit sechs oder sieben Jahren in die Grundschule. Dort bleiben sie in der Regel vier Jahre. Tip: Don’t choose tempo over intelligibility. Consider instead whether what you want to say can be formulated more concisely.

8. Functions of intonation • communicative • emotional/expressive • shaping/forming

9. Tips for developing a spoken presentation Every speaking situation has its own conventions, structures, typical phrases and expected tone. Becoming aware of conventions in your own language will help you to recognise them in the target language. In a conversation, where you are faced with dealing with the unexpected, focusing not only on what people say but also on how they say it can help you to increase your range and accuracy and also adopt an appropriate range and tone when you speak. In preparing, planning and drafting an assignment it is important to recognise and be aware of the format that is expected.

10. Tips for developing a spoken presentation • Be aware of the audience and the purpose by considering the following questions: • What is your purpose? Are you trying to persuade, inform, complain, ask for advice….? • What does your role in the conversation involve? What is the context? • What are the linguistic resources you need to achieve your purpose? Do your textbook, grammar or dictionary provide appropriate expression? • Who is your audience? What tone, register and forms of address are appropriate for your audience? How will you make sure your audience follows you and is interested in what you have to say?

11. Tips for delivering a spoken presentation When preparing your notes, index cards are useful for each section or point you wish to cover • Highlighting key words or those you find difficult can help • Use signposting such as “firstly, secondly… or for stressing points “not only… but also...” to help your listener through your talk. • Check the pronunciation of unknown and unfamiliar words in your dictionary beforehand, and then rehearse speaking your presentation • Consider your fluency. Did you stumble over any words? Were there any long pauses? Did you feel you stressed the correct word or words in a sentence? Did you distinguish between questions and assertions? Did you deliver the piece clearly, pronouncing all necessary endings? It may help to record yourself and listen back (even several times) to your presentation.

12. As your next step you could check Rundblick, Kapitel 8, Speaking Practice Übung 8.9: Intonation • https://learn2.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=299407&section=1.9 Rundblick, Kapitel 10, Speaking Practice Übung 10.8: Intonation of questions • https://learn2.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=299431&section=1.8 Tips for developing a spoken presentation adapted from • Adinolfi, L, Pleines, C., Harper, F., Beaven, T., Smith, P., Hassan, X., Adams, H. and M. Nicolson ‘Developing competence in the language (2): writing and speaking skills. In: Hurd, S. and L. Murphy (Eds.) “Success with Languages”. Routledge, Abingdon. 2005, 110-139.