Page 68 - Real English 2024 Book 8

REAL ENGLISH 8

D Language in Use

Sounds and Pronunciation

Intonation

Compare the way the following two lines would be spoken in a conversation.
You have something for me?
You have something for me.

The first is a question and the second, a statement. It is the way these sentences are spoken
that tells us whether they are questions or statements. In other words, difference in ‘intonation’
helps us understand various aspects of meaning in speech. Intonation is the way our voices rise
and fall as we speak. Intonation is the variation in pitch. Rising intonation means the pitch of
the voice increases while you speak. Falling intonation means that the pitch decreases as you
speak.

 A statement has a falling intonation.
Goa is a small state. 
Goa is located on the western coast. 

 A question that can be answered with a yes or no has a rising intonation.
Are you a tourist? 
Is Goa located on the western coast? 

 A wh-question is spoken with a falling intonation.
What is his name? 
Who built this mosque? 

 A statement which is used to ask a question will have a rising intonation.
You went there? 
It’s a nice place? 

 Question tags have
a) falling intonation when the speaker is sure about what he or she says and expects the
listener to agree with him/her.
It’s a nice day, isn’t it? 
This is amazing, isn’t it? 
b) rising intonation when the speaker is not certain and is asking for confirmation from
the listener.
Your name is Pritam, isn’t it? 
This bus goes to Shimla, doesn’t it? 

46