Chapter: 11. The Old Brown Horse
Understanding Intonation for Self-Learning
Intonation is like the music of language – it’s the rise and fall of your voice when you speak. It doesn’t just make your speech sound natural; it also helps convey meaning, emotion, and attitude. When you’re learning to speak English, paying attention to intonation can help you express yourself more clearly and understand others better.
There are three main patterns of intonation:
Rising Intonation (↗): Your voice goes up at the end of a sentence. Yes/No Questions: This is the most common use. When you ask a question that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no,” your voice typically rises at the end. Example: Is that your house? ↗ (Your voice goes up on “house”) Another example: Are you coming? ↗ Lists: When you’re listing items, your voice rises on each item until the last one, where it usually falls. Example: I bought apples ↗, bananas ↗, and oranges ↘. Expressing Uncertainty or Encouraging a Reply: Sometimes, you might use rising intonation to show you’re not entirely sure or to invite the other person to speak. Example: You’re really sure? ↗ Falling Intonation (↘): Your voice goes down at the end of a sentence. Statements: Most declarative sentences (statements of fact) end with falling intonation. It signals that you’ve finished your thought. Example: We will have dinner soon. ↘ (Your voice goes down on “soon”) WH-Questions: Questions that begin with “who, what, where, when, why, how” usually have falling intonation. Example: What time does your class end? ↘ (Your voice goes down on “end”) Commands: When you give a direct command, your voice usually falls. Expressing Certainty or Finality: Falling intonation conveys a sense of completion and confidence. Fall-Rise Intonation (↘↗): Your voice first falls and then rises within or at the end of a sentence. Uncertainty or Hesitation: When you’re not fully committed to what you’re saying, or you’re slightly unsure. Example: I don’t really want to go to the cinema now. ↘↗ (Suggests there might be another option or a reason why) Polite Requests or Invitations: To sound softer and more inviting. Example: Would you like to eat something? ↘↗ (More inviting than a sharp fall) Implying More: When you’re saying something but implying there’s more to the story or a contrast. Example: It was interesting… ↘↗ (Suggests it was interesting, but perhaps not entirely good or there’s a downside). Self-Practice Tip: Listen actively! Pay attention to how native English speakers (in movies, podcasts, or everyday conversations) use their voice. Try to mimic their intonation patterns. Record yourself speaking these sentences and compare them to how you hear others say them.
Language Lab Exercise Answers
Work with a partner. Complete this conversation and then read it aloud with him/her. Be sure to use the right intonation.
Hanan: Where have you been? I’ve been waiting for you for ages!
Intonation Notes: “Where have you been?” (Falling intonation, as it’s a WH-question). “I’ve been waiting for you for ages!” (Falling intonation, as it’s a strong statement expressing frustration). Runa: I am sorry! The bus was late, there was nothing I could do!
Intonation Notes: “I am sorry!” (Falling intonation, expressing sincere apology). “The bus was late, there was nothing I could do!” (Falling intonation on both phrases, stating facts/excuses with certainty). Hanan: I’m so hungry, my stomach actually hurts. Let’s get food quickly before the film begins.
Intonation Notes: “I’m so hungry, my stomach actually hurts.” (Falling intonation, a statement of fact and discomfort). “Let’s get food quickly before the film begins.” (Falling intonation, a suggestion or command that signals completion). 
Language Lab - Textbook