Intonation refers to the pitch patterns that a speaker uses when communicating in English. The intonation of a sentence is the pattern of the pitch that occurs. There are four patterns of intonation:
A) The falling intonation.
It is marked by a fall of the voice from a high pitch to a relatively very low pitch in the last stressed words. This pattern conveys the following types of sentences:
- Short sentence: I was glad. I like coffee.
- Wh-question intended to convey information: What is your name?
- Imperatives: shut up. Sit!
- Exclamation: what is a nice girl?! What is a nice dress?!
- Question tag: he speaks English, doesn’t he?
B) The rising intonation.
It is indicated by the rise in the voice from a very low pitch to a relatively very high pitch on the last stressed syllable as the syllable following it. This pattern is typical of the following patterns:
- A statement intended to encourage the listener. I should not be late, come on.
- Yes/No-question: did you play football? Do you like football?
- Incomplete sentence: (When the speaker intends to continue) When I saw my father, …
- Question tag: (When the speaker expects a negative reply) It is cold today, isn’t it? forcing the answer yes.
- Questions showing sympathy: what are you going to do?
C) Falling-rising pattern.
It is a fall of the voice from a high note to a very long one, and then a rise from the low note to a very high one again. It is used for the following sentences:
- Correcting other people: You surely want the briefcase for you. Oh. No. It’s for my son.
- Showing differences of opinion: This is a cheap watch. Oh. No. It’s very expensive.
- Implying something else: The worker left angrily. (The speaker implies that the worker may not turn the next day).
D) Rising-falling pattern.
The voice first rises from a low note and then falls from a very high note. This pattern is used to express certainty as opposed to doubt, as in saying:
His name is Ali. (If I am certain about the person’s name).
Thanks For Reading
Liked This Article?
Share It With Your Networks.
You can also join my email list not only to be notified of the latest updates on elttguide.com but also to get TWO of my products: Quick-Start Guide To Teaching Listening In The Classroom & Quick-Start Guide To Teaching Grammar In The Classroom For FREE!
