Intonation refers to the rise and fall of the voice in speech. It is a complex system of meaning communicated through the melodic pattern of an utterance. Intonation conveys differences of expressive meaning, such as surprise, anger, or delight, and it can also serve a grammatical function. In many languages, including English, intonation distinguishes one type of phrase or sentence from another. The three main patterns of intonation in English are falling intonation, rising intonation, and fall-rise intonation.
Intonation is primarily a matter of variation in the pitch of the voice. In such languages as English, it is often accompanied by stress and rhythm to produce meaning. Stress refers to where the emphasis is placed in a word or sentence, whereas intonation refers to the rising and lowering of pitch in a persons voice.
Intonation operates on a system of contrasts, where the contrast is between the movement of the voice up or down. Intonation can change the meaning of what a person says even when the same words are used. For example, the same words "It was interesting" can have different communicative purposes and functions depending on the intonation used:
- Falling intonation: You are giving information. You are certain and confident about the information.
- Rising intonation: This intonation could indicate that this is a question even though the grammar indicates a statement. It could also indicate that you arent sure or that you havent finished yet.
- Fall-rise intonation: You have more to say. You have some doubts or reservations or you want to qualify this with more information. You may also be referring to what has already been said or will be said.
If intonation is not used appropriately, it may confuse or even irritate the listener.
