The document provides an in-depth exploration of utterances, sentences, and prosody in spoken language, defining each and outlining their characteristics. It explains how context and prosodic features such as tone and intonation influence meaning and communication effectiveness. Additionally, the document includes examples and applications of these concepts in real-world communication scenarios.

1. U N D E R S TA N D I N G
U T T E R A N C E ,
S E N T E N C E , A N D
P R O S O D Y
I N S P O K E N
L A N G U A G E
Meeting 3
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2. Understanding Utterance
Definition
An utterance is a spoken word, statement, or vocal sound. It’s the
act of saying or expressing something aloud. In linguistics, it
refers to an uninterrupted chain of spoken language. If it is
written, it has quotation marks. Utterances can vary in length and
complexity, ranging from single words to longer phrases or
sentences.
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3. Characteristics of Utterance
Context-dependent:
Utterances are heavily influenced
by the context in which they
occur. The meaning of an
utterance can vary based on
factors such as the speaker's
intentions, the audience, and the
situational context.
Varies in length and
complexity:
Utterances can vary widely in
length and complexity. They can
be as short as a single word
("Hello") or as long as a complex
sentence or even a discourse.
Communicative
function:
Every utterance serves a
communicative function, whether
it's expressing a greeting, asking
a question, making a request,
conveying information, or
expressing emotions.
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4. 1. "Good morning!“
This utterance serves the communicative function of greeting and is context-dependent,
typically used in the morning as a polite salutation.
2. "How are you?“
This utterance serves the communicative function of initiating conversation and expressing
concern for the listener's well-being. Its meaning is context-dependent and can vary based on
the speaker's tone and demeanor.
3. “Umm.“
It’s often used as a hesitation marker in speech, indicating that the speaker is thinking or
pausing to decide what to say next. Even though it doesn’t have a specific semantic meaning,
it’s a natural part of spoken language and can convey nuances such as doubt or uncertainty..
Examples of Utterance
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5. Understanding Sentence
Definition
A sentence is a grammatical unit consisting of a
subject, predicate, and expressing a complete
thought or idea. It provides a structured way to
convey information in both spoken and written
language.
Diah R - STIBA IEC Jkt

6. Characteristics of Sentence
Adheres to rules of
syntax and grammar
Provides structure
to communication
Present in both
spoken and written
language
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7. Examples of Sentence
"The cat chased the mouse."
This sentence contains a subject ("the cat"), a predicate
("chased the mouse"), and expresses a complete
thought, illustrating the characteristics of a sentence.
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8. Utterance vs. Sentence
Utterance
• Context-dependent
• Variable in length and
complexity (short burst or
complete thought)
• Communicative function
• In written form, it uses
quotation marks
Sentence
• Grammatical structure
• Complete thought
• Written and spoken
form
Diah R - STIBA IEC Jkt
“Sentences can be considered utterances when they are spoken or presented with
quotation marks in writing. However, not all utterances are sentences; some may lack a
subject and verb.”

9. Diah R - STIBA IEC Jkt
Notice how the tone changes the meaning of ‘Got the keys.’
So, it proves that not only word choice and sentence
structure contribute to the meaning of the context, but also
the way we say the words.

10. Understanding Prosody
Definition
According to Charles W. Kreidler, prosody in spoken discourse is
communicated through emphases and melodies. It involves the
patterns of stress and intonation in speech that contribute to the
expressiveness and meaning of language. Prosody can also
include vocal and gestural signs as means of transmitting
meanings. This aspect of language is essential for understanding
the emotional and rhythmic qualities of spoken utterances, which
go beyond the literal meanings of words.
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11. DISCLAIMER
• Educational Purpose: The exercise is designed
solely for educational purposes to analyze
language use.
• Focus on Prosody: It highlights how prosody affects
the meaning of neutral words in different contexts.
• No Endorsement of Offensive Language: This is not
an endorsement or promotion of derogatory
language use.
• Responsible Language Use: We encourage the
responsible and creative use of language,
recognizing its impact.
• Respect for Words: The exercise respects the power
of words and their potential effects on others. Diah R - STIBA IEC Jkt

12. READ THE EXAMPLES BELOW!
“DASAR
MONYET! Kalo
jalan liat-liat!!”
“Wah, si monyet
udah datang nih.
Lama nggak
kelihatan!”
“Monyet itu
sedang makan
pisang.”
Diah R - STIBA IEC Jkt

13. Characteristics of Prosody
Conveys emotion,
emphasis, and
pragmatic
information:
Prosody plays a crucial role
in conveying the speaker's
emotional tone,
emphasizing certain words
or phrases, and providing
pragmatic cues for
interpretation.
Plays a crucial role
in spoken language
comprehension:
Prosodic features aid in
understanding spoken
language by providing cues
for interpreting meaning,
intention, and attitude.
Includes variations
in pitch, loudness,
and duration:
Prosody encompasses
variations in pitch
(intonation), loudness
(stress), and duration
(rhythm), contributing to the
richness and nuance of
spoken communication.
Diah R - STIBA IEC Jkt

14. Components of
Prosody
• Variations in pitch or melody.
Intonation:
• Emphasis placed on certain syllables or
words.
Stress:
• Patterns of stress and timing in speech.
Rhythm:
• Rate of speech or speed of delivery.
Tempo:
Diah R - STIBA IEC Jkt

15. Example of Prosody
1.Surprise:
1. Example: "Oh, I didn't expect to see you here!"
2. Prosodic cues: A sudden rise in pitch and volume on the word "oh," followed by a slight pause, conveys surprise.
2.Sarcasm:
1. Example: "Wow, you're really good at this."
2. Prosodic cues: Exaggerated intonation and elongation of certain words (e.g., "wow" and "really") with a downward pitch contour, indicating sarcasm.
3.Excitement:
1. Example: "I can't believe we won!"
2. Prosodic cues: Increased pitch, tempo, and volume, along with exclamatory intonation, convey excitement and enthusiasm.
4.Sadness:
1. Example: "I'm sorry for your loss."
2. Prosodic cues: Lowered pitch, slower tempo, and softer volume convey empathy and sadness.
5.Anger:
1. Example: "How many times do I have to tell you?"
2. Prosodic cues: Elevated pitch, increased volume, and emphasis on certain words (e.g., "how many times"), conveying frustration and anger.
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16. What’s the importance
of prosody in language?
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17. Applications in Communication
Social functions:
- Politeness markers
- Expressing empathy or
sarcasm
Pragmatic cues:
- Clarifying meaning
- Managing conversational
dynamics
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18. Social Functions Examples
1. Politeness Markers:
Example: "Could you please pass the salt?"
• In this example, the use of "please" functions as a politeness marker, indicating a polite request
rather than a command.
2. Expressing Empathy or Sarcasm:
Example 1 (Empathy): "I'm really sorry to hear about your loss."
• Here, the speaker expresses empathy towards the listener's loss, conveying concern and
sympathy.
Example 2 (Sarcasm): "Oh, that's just great."
• In this case, the tone and intonation suggest sarcasm, indicating that the speaker actually finds
the situation unfavorable or ironic.
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19. Pragmatic Cues Examples
1. Clarifying Meaning:
Example: "So, what exactly do you mean by 'soon'?"
• The speaker seeks clarification on the meaning of the term "soon," indicating uncertainty about
its interpretation and prompting the listener to provide a clearer explanation.
2. Managing Conversational Dynamics:
Example: "Anyway, moving on to the next topic..."
• By using the phrase "moving on," the speaker signals a transition in the conversation,
effectively managing conversational dynamics and shifting focus to a new topic.
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20. Conclusion
• Utterance: Context-dependent speech
units
• Sentence: Grammatical units expressing
complete thoughts
• Prosody: Suprasegmental features
conveying emotion and pragmatics
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21. Practice Time
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22. Discussion
Identifying Prosody: How did Aragorn’s voice change when he said,
“Sons of Gondor! Of Rohan!” compared to when he said, “My brothers”?
Describe the differences in volume and pitch.
Prosody’s Purpose: Why is it important for Aragorn to change his tone
between addressing the soldiers as groups and then as individuals? How
does this help him connect with his audience?
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23. Answers
Prosody’s Purpose: When he calls out, “Sons of Gondor! Of Rohan!” his voice is loud and clear, cutting through the air like a trumpet
call. This is Aragorn as a leader, using a strong voice to reach every soldier to inspire and unite his followers. But then, his tone
changes. When he says, “My brothers,” it’s almost like he’s speaking to each person individually. His voice softens, becomes more
intimate. This shift shows us that Aragorn doesn’t just see them as soldiers; he sees them as family. He’s one of them, and they’re all in
this together.
“I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me.”
Prosody: A softer, more empathetic tone, possibly with a slower pace to connect with the listeners on a personal level.
“A day may come when the courage of Men fails…”
Prosody: A grave and somber tone, slowing down to emphasize the potential despair.
“but it is not this day.”
Prosody: A sudden shift to a firm and resolute tone, with a stress on “not” to instill hope and determination.
“An hour of wolves and shattered shields when the Age of Men comes crashing down…”
Prosody: A dramatic and dark tone, painting a vivid picture of chaos and destruction.
“but it is not this day! This day we fight!”
Prosody: An impassioned and rallying cry, with a loud and clear delivery to motivate the troops.
“By all that you hold dear on this good earth, I bid you stand, Men of the West!”
Prosody: A powerful and moving plea, with a crescendo in volume and pitch, calling for unity and bravery.
Diah R - STIBA IEC Jkt

24. Assignment (Group work of 2-3 students)
Find a short video or movie scene (1-2 minutes) with interesting speech. Listen to how
the speaker’s voice changes. Notice the loudness, speed, and high or low sounds.
Your task:
• Pick a clip with clear talking.
• Watch it a few times to hear the voice changes.
• Write down when these changes make the scene feel different.
• Share your thoughts on why the way they speak matters.
(Example is on the previous slide)
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