Speaking: Pronunciation C2
Lesson 3: Subtle Use of Prosodic Features (Irony, Sarcasm)
Listen to the dialogue example here.
Scenario: The Unspoken Meaning 💬
At C2, what is not said is just as important as what *is* said. The meaning is hidden in the music of the voice (prosody). Notice how Vanna understands Dara's true meaning by listening to his intonation.
The C2 Prosody Toolkit 🛠️
To convey irony and sarcasm, you must control three key tools. This is how you speak *between* the lines.
Tool 1: The Flat (Deadpan) Tone
Saying positive words with a flat, low, or mono-tone pitch.
Example: "Oh, joy. More paperwork."
Implied Meaning
You mean the exact opposite. This shows boredom or sarcasm (that you are not happy about the paperwork).
Tool 2: The Exaggerated Tone
Saying positive words with an overly enthusiastic or high-pitched, stretched-out tone.
Example: "You broke my phone? That's just faaaan-tastic!"
Implied Meaning
You are mocking the situation. This is strong sarcasm, showing you are very annoyed. The situation is, in fact, terrible.
Tool 3: Elongation & Pausing
Slowing down and stretching a key word, often with a pause before it. (e.g., "That's... interesting.")
Example: "He finished the whole project in one hour? That's... unbelievable."
Implied Meaning
The pause builds suspense. The stretched word ("unbelievable") implies you doubt it's true, or you are deeply suspicious.
Practice: The Tonic Stress Challenge 🧠
The "focus word" (tonic stress) in a sentence can also create irony. Click each word below to hear how changing the focus changes the hidden meaning.
Practice Your Prosody 🎯
Practice Quiz: What Does the Intonation Imply?
Listen to the phrase by clicking 🔊, then choose the most likely *implied meaning*.
Listen: "Great. Another meeting."
What does this flat, low tone imply?
Listen: "Oh, you're a genius!"
What does this exaggerated, high tone imply?
Listen: "I'm so excited to file these reports."
What does this slow, flat tone imply?
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
- Prosody The patterns of stress, intonation, and rhythm in a language; the "music" of speech.
- Irony Saying the opposite of what you mean, often for humorous or emphatic effect.
- Sarcasm A form of irony intended to mock, criticize, or hurt someone.
- Deadpan A flat, emotionless tone of voice used to make a joke or sarcastic remark.
- Elongation The act of stretching or lengthening a sound in a word (e.g., "It was soooo good.").
- Resigned Having accepted something unpleasant that one cannot do anything about.
Your Mission: The 3-Meaning Challenge ⭐
Your mission is to convey three different emotions using *only* your prosody. Choose one sentence below.
Sentences: "That's just great." OR "I'm sure it will be fine."
Task: Record yourself saying your chosen sentence three times. Try to make each one clearly express:
- Genuine Enthusiasm: (High pitch, clear tone)
- Obvious Sarcasm: (Slow pace, flat tone, maybe elongated "great")
- Hesitant Doubt: (Slower pace, pauses, a fall-rise intonation ↘...↗)
Play it back. Can you clearly hear the difference in your emotional intent?