Intonation models of yes-no questions in Extremadura

Abstract

This paper is part of a series of studies carried out within the AMPRAE project (Atlas Multimedia de Prosodia de Andalucía y Extremadura), whose main objective is to trace the geoprosodic map of those two dialectal areas in contact (their possible internal system variability, as well as the establishment of prosodic isoglosses and their influence areas). The present paper focuses on absolute interrogative intonation patterns in Extremadura, where the acoustic analysis revealed the existence of two different intonation patterns. This research is based on a range of seven Extremaduran informants (four women and three men), representative of the selected survey points: two urban areas, the capital city of Cáceres and Mérida (Badajoz), and two rural areas, both Badajoz-based, Don Benito and Segura de León (nevertheless, Alburquerque, another Badajoz-based municipality, close to the border with Portugal, is referred to frequently throughout this paper). Once described the intonative behavior of each of the informants, a comparison and contrast of their results is offered in order to identify the convergence and/or divergence among them. The methodology applied is the one set out in the AMPER project.