prosody
Prosody refers to the rhythm, stress, and intonation of speech. It plays a crucial role in conveying meaning and emotion, helping listeners understand the speaker's intent. For example, a rising intonation at the end of a sentence often indicates a question, while a falling intonation can signal a statement.
In addition to spoken language, prosody is also important in poetry and music. In poetry, the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables creates a specific rhythm, enhancing the overall experience. Similarly, in music, prosody helps shape the emotional impact of lyrics and melodies, guiding the listener's response.