An Experimental Method of Studying the Accent or Intonation in Words or Songs

Abstract

The experimental method described in the present article is that of utilizing the gramophone record for the purpose in hand. By means of a “gramophone (or electric) pick up” and suitable amplifier (Fig. I) the wave form of sounds cut on the wax record is made oscillograms, upon which the accent or intonation are studied (Figs. 2 and 3). It is often the case in the words or songs recorded on the phonograph records that the accent or intonation is intentionally exaggerated , so that the present method is not always suitable for the study of the accent or intonation proper; yet it gives undoubtedly some informations upon the nature of accent or intonation, because the sounds , unlike those of the actually spoken words or songs, can easily be reproduced at will. Some examples are given, which were taken upon the Educational Record recorded by Prof . K. Jimbo.