英语学习者朗读口语中宾语从句的语调模式研究.doc

暨南大学硕士学位论文 intonation patterns of different object clauses produced by Chinese EFL learners and English native speakers. The data are collected from subjects? oral readings. The name of oral readings is cited from Wennerstrom (1994). Significance of the Study Intonation is of great importance in a language. It involves the occurrence of recurring pitch patterns. On the one hand, though in any language the number of pitch patterns is limited, we can use them to produce substantial meaningful effects. The same phrase said in different tones can express different meanings. Secondly, misapplication of intonation will lead to difficulties in communication. Misapplication of intonation from one language to another can lead to foreign accents; and more seriously, misapplication of intonation in the same language but in different circumstances will give rise to misunderstanding (OConnor Arnold, 1961:2). Moreover, intonation does not only diminish the ambiguity of grammar and transfer the information, but can also express various attitudes and moods. Intonation in language have meanings which are superposed on the dictionary meanings of the words uttered. They may convey subtle shades of meaning which could only be expressed by words in a cumbrous manner, if at all. (Jones, 1972: 277) The teaching of English intonation is also of great necessity and significance. Recently, reforms in Chinese college entrance examination have been a favorite topic, which inevitably brings English reform and English education in Chinese middle school and college into focus. Many Chinese students perform poorly in communicating with others in English. As a consequence, oral English teaching in China should be paid more attention. Many researches have done a great deal on the topics addressing the acquisition of English intonations, yet mainly focusing on the following sentence patterns: statement, declarative question, yes/no question, question word question, exclamatory sentence, etc. in whi