A Performance of a Swahili Poem Analysed.

Autor/in	Maw, Joan
Titel	A Performance of a Swahili Poem Analysed.
Quelle	In: York Papers in Linguistics, 15 (1991), S.177-219 (44 Seiten)Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Schlagwörter	Foreign Countries; Intonation; Language Patterns; Language Research; Linguistic Theory; Oral Interpretation; Poetry; Suprasegmentals; Swahili; Uncommonly Taught Languages + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Ausland; Sprachmodell; Sprachstruktur; Sprachforschung; Linguistische Theorie; Oral language; Mündlicher Sprachgebrauch; Lyrik; Poesie; Suaheli; Minderheitensprache
Abstract	The recitation of a nineteenth century Swahili poem is analyzed for the devices in spoken Swahili used by the performer to keep the audience's attention. The poem has a very formal structure in both rhyme, rhythm, and words linking one stanza to the next, giving it great rigidity. The primary focus of the analysis is on three variables: intonation, pitch, and dynamics. Intonation is examined for distribution, type, placement, and tonality. Patterns in pitch placement and range and in loudness are also discussed. It is concluded that in this analysis, a previously unrecorded intonation pattern emerged. In addition, future analyses should look for high unstressed presalient syllables, a falling salient in one particular tone-group, and use of another tone-group in statements. The performer's use of these and other devices for interpretation of the poem is seen as contributing significantly to the expression of meaning in the work. Swahili and English texts of the poem, and tabulations of the phonetic analyses, are appended. (MSE)
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC