摘要：In this study, the form and function of a contour is described that is claimed to be salient
and typical of the Berlin vernacular. It is formed like an 'upward staircase', i.e. there is a
lower platform on which pitch stays more or less on a lower level, then there is an
ascending movement upward to a higher platform, on which the pitch again stays more or
less on a high level up to the end of the unit. Thi s contour is fairly frequently used in the
Berlin vernacular. It contributes to the impression that Berlin intonation often sounds very
flat or makes use o f a lot o f level contours , more so than other vernaculars o f German. The
contour is used in two sequential contexts: in lists, and in particular kinds o f biographical
story telling. Yet, two different kinds o f upward staircases must be differentiated which are
used in different sequential context s and with different functions in the data.
T h e data underlying this analysis come from informal conversations between a ca.
30 year old student from Berlin and ca. 60 year old Berlin residents who have spoken the
Berlin vernacular most o f their lives and are looked upon as 'original Berliners'. The forms
o f the contour s are analysed auditively and acoustically, the functions are analysed and
validated with conversation analytical methodology.
