#The structure of a tonal contour and the functions of its elements
A tonal contour /intonation group is hierarchically higher than a rhythmic group. It is a division in which not only stresses, but pitch and duration play a role.
Structure and functions: 1. The nucleus stress - falls on the semantically most important word (expresses communicative and attitudinal meanings, indicates the end of the intonation group); 2. The prehead - unstressed syllables preceding the 1st stressed one (the onset, determines the pitch movement within the intonation group); 3. The head - the 1st stressed syllable and the following stressed and unstressed ones; 4. The tail - unstressed or partially stressed syllables following the nucleus (not an independent functional element of an intonation group, since its pitch variations are determined by the nuclear tone).
Structure and functions: 1. The nucleus stress - falls on the semantically most important word (expresses communicative and attitudinal meanings, indicates the end of the intonation group); 2. The prehead - unstressed syllables preceding the 1st stressed one (the onset, determines the pitch movement within the intonation group); 3. The head - the 1st stressed syllable and the following stressed and unstressed ones; 4. The tail - unstressed or partially stressed syllables following the nucleus (not an independent functional element of an intonation group, since its pitch variations are determined by the nuclear tone).