The Department of English at the College of Education for Human Sciences, University of Anbar, witnessed the defense of a Master's thesis entitled: "Intonation Attitudinal Function of Speech Acts Used by Iraqi University Students of English"

The defense took place on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 9:00 AM, at the Abu Al-Thanaa Al-Alusi Hall in the College of Education for Human Sciences.

Research Objectives

The thesis, submitted by the student Noor Sami Khalil Obaid, aimed to identify the intonation patterns used by Iraqi university EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students when performing various speech acts. It also sought to determine the attitudinal functions expressed by these patterns and the extent of their harmony with the pragmatic functions of the performed speech acts.

Methodology

The study adopted a qualitative approach supported by descriptive statistics. Data were collected from 30 fourth-stage male and female students at the Department of English, University of Anbar, using 10 role-play scenarios designed according to Searle’s five categories of speech acts. A total of 300 spoken responses were collected and analyzed based on Searle’s (1976) classification of speech acts and Roach’s (2009) model of intonation patterns, utilizing the Praat software for acoustic analysis.

Key Findings

The results revealed that the students' intonational choices were not random; rather, they showed a clear systematic organization in using intonation within speech acts. However, this usage was not entirely balanced:

• The Rise–Fall and Fall tones were the most prevalent.

• The Rise and Fall–Rise tones appeared less frequently.

• The Level tone was completely absent from the data.

These findings indicate that the learners possess a developing phono-pragmatic competence, which remains limited in certain aspects, particularly regarding tones associated with mitigation and attitudinal meaning.

Examination Committee

The discussion committee was composed of the following members:

• Prof. Dr. Israa Burhanuddin Abdul Rahman (Chairperson) – Tikrit University, College of Education for Women.

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Fouad Jassim Mohammed (Member) – University of Anbar, College of Education for Human Sciences.

• Asst. Prof. Meethaq Khamees Khalaf (Member) – University of Anbar, College of Education for Human Sciences.

• Prof. Dr. Muslih Shwaish Ahmed (Member and Supervisor) – University of Anbar, College of Education for Human Sciences.

Following an extensive and thorough discussion by the committee members, the thesis was accepted with a passing grade (Satisfactory).

Congratulations: We extend our warmest congratulations to the student, her supervisor, and the esteemed committee members, wishing the researcher continued success, guidance, and prosperity in her academic and professional career.

Media Office of the College of Education for Human Sciences