A Little Something for Teachers 10

"What"

“What”:  Exclamation or Question

Depends on the circumstance

But if you hear the tone right

You could definitely take a chance.

There’s a tone for the exclamation

And a tone for the question

And if you listen carefully

You can determine the intonation.

“What” when it comes as a question

Carries a deadpan irritability

Somewhat like, “Okay what now?

Can’t you see I am busy?”

As a question too it could intone

“I didn’t quite hear what you said.”

And if you want the person to repeat

Just simply say, “What” instead.

But “What” with an exclamation

Could indicate incredulity,

That “What” says, “I don’t believe you’

There’s no such possibility.”

This “What” has a high-pitched tone

With an exaggerated inflection,

Such a “What” can mean excitement

Or indicate total rejection.

“What” is a one-word sentence

Indicating a question or exclamation,

To distinguish the one from the other

Acknowledge the intonation.

It’s a trend in communication

Sometimes it’s not even a word,

Just the sound or intonation

Gives meaning to what is heard.

It is like after reading this poem

Your “What” will indicate incredulity:

“Can’t he do anything better

With his time and ability?”

My “What” would be, “Repeat the question

I really did not hear.

There was some noise in the channel

And your comment was not fair.”

Stewart Russell © September 2018