Accentuation and deaccentuation in Russian – a functional account

Anastasia Karlsson

Research output: Working paper/PreprintWorking paper

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Abstract

The present article is a functional analysis of intonation in Russian declarative utterances. Pragmatically relevant tonal patterns and their functions are identified and described. Utterances are analysed in terms of theme and rheme. Theme is signalled by a tonal rise and rheme by a falling tonal gesture. Beside thematic and rhematic tonal gestures, other rising accents in the utterance are identified. My claim is that they are important in maintaining balance in prominence in neutral utterances and that they are obligatory parts of a narrative speech style. They are named rhythmical accents. A distinction between three pitch intervals is useful in generating pitch accents with different functions. De¬accentuation is a marked feature of non-neutral utterances with focus. Three types of hat patterns with connective function are recognised.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherLund University: Dept of Linguistics
Pages81-96
Publication statusPublished - 2008

Publication series

NameWorking Papers
No.53
ISSN (Print)0280-526X

Bibliographical note

The information about affiliations in this record was updated in December 2015.
The record was previously connected to the following departments: Linguistics and Phonetics (015010003)

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • General Language Studies and Linguistics

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