Analyzing Speech Intonation: Transcription with the ToBI System

Understanding how we use pitch, rhythm, and emphasis is essential for speech science, natural language processing, and linguistic analysis. This text-only course provides a clear, step-by-step introduction to the Tones and Break Indices (ToBI) system, the standard framework for transcribing prosodic structure in Mainstream American English. You will learn to decode the hidden patterns of spoken communication and understand how intonation changes meaning. Through structured readings and written analysis exercises, you will progress from foundational phonetic concepts to labeling complex spoken phrases. We also cover modern applications of prosody in modern speech-to-text systems and voice AI development to ensure your skills remain highly relevant. What you'll learn: - Understand the core principles of prosody, including intonation, rhythm, and prominence. - Identify pitch accents and boundary tones using standard ToBI notation. - Analyze break indices to determine the grouping and phrasing of spoken words. - Distinguish how different intonational patterns alter the meaning of an utterance. - Explore how prosodic transcription is applied in modern voice technology and linguistic research. This course begins with basic terminology and acoustic concepts before guiding you through the systematic rules of prosodic labeling. It is designed for beginners in linguistics, speech science, or cognitive psychology with no prior transcription experience. Start mastering the rhythm of speech today.