What is speech prosody?

Speech prosody refers to the rhythm, stress, and intonation patterns in spoken language. It encompasses the natural fluctuations in pitch and loudness that occur when people speak, which contribute significantly to the meaning and emotional tone of the message being conveyed. Prosody helps distinguish between different types of sentences, such as statements and questions, by varying the intonation. It also plays a critical role in conveying emotions and attitudes, indicating whether a speaker is excited, frustrated, or questioning, among others.

This aspect of communication is crucial for effective interaction, as it signposts the speaker's intent and can alter the interpretation of the words used. Understanding prosody is essential in fields such as linguistics, speech-language pathology, and communication studies, as it impacts both the speaker's delivery and the listener's understanding.