Listening: Listening for Inference, Attitude, & Opinion B2 - Lesson 2: Deducing Speaker's Feelings, Attitudes, and Intentions from Prosodic Features

B2 Listening for Inference: Deducing Meaning from Prosodic Features

Welcome! In this advanced lesson, we will learn how to deduce² a speaker's feelings and intentions by listening to prosodic features¹. This is the "music" of speech: its rhythm, speed, and pitch.

Note: For this lesson, we will make the computer voice pretend to show feeling by changing its speed and pitch. Listen carefully for these simulated changes in each example.

1. Pace (Speed) = Urgency vs. Calmness

A fast pace often shows urgency or excitement. A slow pace can show calmness, seriousness, or lack of interest. Listen to the same instruction said in two different ways.

"You need to finish that report by five P.M."

The first version sounds like an urgent demand, while the second sounds like a calm reminder.

2. Pitch (High/Low) = Excitement vs. Seriousness

A high pitch often shows excitement or happiness. A lower pitch can show seriousness or sadness. Listen to someone reacting to news with different pitches.

"Oh, wow. I did not expect that."

The first version sounds like they heard exciting, happy news. The second sounds like the news was serious or shocking.

3. Intonation = Genuine Question vs. Disbelief

A rising intonation usually signals a genuine question. A flat or falling intonation on a question can show disbelief or sarcasm.

"Are you serious?"

The first version is a real question. The second implies the speaker thinks the idea is ridiculous.

Quiz: What's the Feeling or Intention?

Listen to the audio. Based on the simulated prosody (pace, pitch), what is the speaker's likely feeling or intention³?

1. "We have to go now."

   The speaker sounds: (a) Calm and relaxed, (b) Urgent⁴ and worried.

2. "That is a great idea."

   The speaker is likely: (a) Being sarcastic; they think it's a bad idea. (b) Genuinely excited; they think it's a great idea.

Click to Show Answers

Answers: 1-b (The very fast pace simulates urgency). 2-a (The very slow, low, and flat tone on positive words simulates sarcasm).

Homework Task

1. Prosody in the Wild: Listen to a conversation (in any language). Ignore the words and just listen to the "music" of the voices. Can you tell when someone is excited? Sad? Asking a genuine question? Worried?

2. Practice Your Prosody: Record yourself saying "I have to go now" three times. 1. Excitedly (you're going to a party). 2. Sadly (you're leaving a fun party). 3. Urgently (you are late for a meeting). Listen back. Do they sound different?

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Prosodic Features (noun) - Khmer: លក្ខណៈពិសេសនៃសូរស័ព្ទ - The "music" of language, including rhythm, stress, pace, pitch, and intonation. ↩
2. To Deduce (verb) - Khmer: ដើម្បីសន្និដ្ឋាន - To reach an answer or a decision by thinking carefully about the known facts and clues. ↩
3. Intention (noun) - Khmer: បំណង - What you plan or mean to do; your purpose or aim. ↩
4. Urgent (adjective) - Khmer: បន្ទាន់ - Requiring immediate action or attention. ↩