Introduction
- It is the rise and fall of voice in speaking.
- Intonation is crucial for communication.
- In English there are basically two kinds of intonation: rising and falling.
- We can use arrows to show the intonation – whether rising or falling. ↘ represents falling intonation while ↗ represents the rising one.
- Intonation can be used to manipulate statements; changing them into questions, expressing certainty, politeness, doubts etc.
- Her name is Mary. (falling) certain
- Her name is Mary. (rising) doubting.
- Have you had your lunch? (falling) polite
- Have you had your lunch? (rising) indifferent
- Her name is Mary. (falling) certain
Falling Intonation
- Falling intonation is when we lower our voice at the end of a sentence.
- This usually happens in:
- Statements, for example,
- I like↘ bananas.
- It is nice working with ↘ you.
- She travelled to↘ Eldoret.
- W/H Questions (Questions that do not require a yes/no answer)
- What is your ↘ name?
- Where do you ↘ live?
- How old are↘ you?
- Who is this young↘ man?
- Commands
- Get out ↘ now.
- Give me the ↘ money.
- Close your ↘ books.
- Exclamatory sentences e.g.
- What a wonderful ↘ present!
- How ↘ nice of you
- Falling intonation is also used in a list to show that you have reached your final item. E.g.
- ↗ One, ↗ two,↗ three, ↗ four,↘ five.
- Statements, for example,
Rising Intonation
- When we raise our voice.
- Used in:
- General Questions (mostly those that require a yes/no answer) e.g.
- Do you visit them↗ often?
- Have you seen ↗ her?
- Are you ready to ↗ start?
- Could you give me a↗ pen, please?
- Alternative questions e.g.
- Do you want ↗ coffee or ↘ tea?
- Does he speak↗ Kiswahili or ↘ English?
- Before tag questions e.g.
- This is a beautiful ↘ place, ↗ isn’t it?
- She knows↘ him,↗ doesn’t she?
- Enumerating e.g.
- ↗ One, ↗ two,↗ three, ↗ four,↘ five.
- She bought ↗ bread, ↗ cheese, ↗ oranges, and ↘ apples.
- Rising intonation is also used when you call for the attention of someone. E.g.
- Sheila? (rising) Hey (rising)
- General Questions (mostly those that require a yes/no answer) e.g.
Exercise
Using an arrow, determine whether rising or falling intonation is used in the sentences.
- This music sounds good.
- I love watching horror movies.
- My sister’s name is Amina.
- Blue is my favourite colour.
- Is that tv good?
- Do you like that movie?
- Are you hungry?
- Get me my shoes.
- Study your lessons now.
- Are you insane?
- How many more hours before you are done with your work?
- Which novel is the best for you?
- He is a little bit nervous, isn’t he?
- You should listen to your parents’ advice.
- Did you finish your homework?
- Water is good for the body.
- This is good!
- What a crazy show.
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