Acoustic data is analysed in conjunction with communicative structure to determine the important functions of the Warlpiri intonational system. Data is collected from male and female speakers of varying ages and using a range of speech styles. The effects of these variables on the intonation will be examined. Intonation in Australian Aboriginal languages has, to date, received scant attention.
Intonation plays a very important role in the function of language.
In the present study I am analysing the intonational system of Warlpiri. The resulting texts are translated with help from suitable consultants. The tones of the contours are labelled according to the ToBI intonation model, and the interlinear text and English gloss is added to the waveforms of each utterance. The data is then analysed to produce a model of Warlpiri intonation which includes comparisons between different types of utterances and between the speakers' gender, age group and community affiliation. Dyirbal intonation, Proceedings of the Fourth Australian International Conference on Speech Science and Technology, University of Queensland.