Table of Contents

1. Introduction – why 'uptalk'?; 2. The forms of uptalk; 3. The meanings and functions of uptalk; 4. Uptalk in English varieties; 5. Origins and spread of uptalk; 6. Social and stylistic variation in uptalk use; 7. Credibility killer and conversational anthrax: uptalk in the media; 8. Perception studies of uptalk; 9. Uptalk in other languages; 10. Methodology in uptalk research; 11. Summary and prospect.

Promotional Information

In this first comprehensive analysis of 'uptalk', Paul Warren examines the phenomenon's historical origins, geographical spread and social influences.

About the Author

Paul Warren is on the Editorial Board of Language and Speech and is past editor of te Reo, the journal of the Linguistic Society of New Zealand. He belongs to various professional organisations, including the International Phonetic Association, and is a founding member of the Association for Laboratory Phonology.

Reviews

'My reaction on reading this book was simply 'wow'. Only Paul Warren has the experience and expertise to write a volume such as this, and he has done an amazing and thorough job.' David Britain, Universität Bern, Switzerland

'This is an authoritative scholarly treatment of intonational uptalk. Warren presents a masterly overview of the social implications, origins, geographical spread, and controversies surrounding this widespread phenomenon in spoken interaction.' Janet Fletcher, University of Melbourne

'… it is certain to become the standard reference on the topic … there is no point in going anywhere else to find out what has been said about uptalk - either by researchers or by journalists and lay commentators …' D. Robert Ladd, Journal of the International Phonetic Association