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Lesson 9 - Intonation: showing feelings

Intonation in a language can be compared with a tune in music. It can go up or downwards. In English, the sentence intonation often indicates the mood of the speaker. Different tunes on the same word or phrase can send different messages about the speaker's feelings. Here are some examples:



really = disapproving
really = surprised and curious to know more
really = very surprised
really = not very interested

Notice that greater falls or rises usually indicate stronger feelings.

Showing feelings and/or attitude through intonation

Work out the most likely intonation and the syllables to stress for the following dialogue. Then read the dialogue aloud.



A:
 Are you busy tonight?
B:
 Not really. Why?
A:
 I was thinking of going to a movie.
B:
 Great! Let's do it!

 

Rules about intonation in English

Complete these statements about intonation in English.

1 Questions with a question word usually end in a ... fall rise
2 Questions without any question word usually end in a ... fall rise
3 Statements usually end in a ... fall rise

 

 

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