Whereas the phonic features of dialects have been studied for a long time, it is only recently that attention has turned to the analysis of typical regional intonations (sentence melodies). The present study provides a review of research on the subject and then turns to an analysis of Cologne German using data from spontaneous speech. It provides a sound formal analysis of typical Cologne intonation patterns and in addition shows how these are used by speakers in their linguistic interactions.

Pia Bergmann, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg.