The Intonation of Negation in Modern Standard Arabic with Reference to English

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe form and function of the intonation of negative particles in Modern Standard Arabic are investigated in this paper. The paper is an attempt to show whether the negative particles are accentuated in Arabic or not. Also, the relation between the tones used and the negative particles is examined in this study . Among the conclusions the study has come up with is that Arabic tends to accentuate the negative particles. Further, the strength of intonation depends on the tone used. So, speakers may strengthen or mitigate the meaning of negation through the tone used.