On the role of intonation in music and communication practices

Abstract

In this paper intonation is studied as a basic characteristic of music, and as a basis for verbal and non-verbal communication. Human thinking is not entirely mediated by verbal language and its richness surpasses the capacity of verbal expression. Considering intonation as a crucial means of communication and interaction, it is assumed that the need for communication could lie in the origins of music. Music permits us to put into practice various modes of social interaction. It is seen as a unique type of social communication, through which information about the psycho-emotional life of people is transmitted more clearly and holistically than through verbal communication.