TOPIC: INTONATION PATTERN - JSS2 English language Lesson Note

 Intonation Patterns in English: Falling and Rising Tunes

 What Is Intonation?
Intonation refers to the musical or melodic quality of speech. It involves variations in pitch (the highness or lowness of the voice) during spoken communication. Intonation plays a crucial role in conveying meaning, emotions, and attitudes. In English, intonation serves both grammatical and attitudinal functions.

Functions of Intonation:
1. Grammatical Meaning:
   - Intonation helps distinguish between different sentence types (declarative, interrogative, imperative, etc.).
   - It can indicate emphasis, contrast, or focus within a sentence.
   - Intonation patterns affect the overall meaning of a sentence.

2. Attitudinal Meaning:
   - Intonation reflects the speaker's attitude, emotions, and intentions.
   - It conveys nuances such as doubt, certainty, surprise, interest, or indifference.

 Types of Intonation:
1. Falling Tune (Falling Intonation):
Usage:
  - Declarative sentences (statements)
  - Commands (imperatives)
  - Exclamations
  - Wh-questions (questions that seek information)
Pattern:
  - The pitch starts high on the first stressed syllable of the sentence and gradually falls as the sentence progresses.
  - The final stressed syllable typically has the lowest pitch.
Examples:
Statements:
    - "The books on the table are mine."
    - "Joy works hard in school."
    - "Emeka has given the book to her."
    - "She was in a beautiful dress on Sunday."
Commands:
    - "Stop making a noise."
    - "Keep the books on my table."
    - "Stand under the tree."
    - "Don't disobey your teachers."
  Wh-questions:
    - "Why are you very late?"
    - "When will you be able to tell me?"
    - "Who is the best person to ask?"
    - "How can I find out the answer?"
Exclamations:
    - "What a good result!"
    - "What a pleasant surprise!"
    - "How pretty she is!"

2. Rising Tune (Rising Intonation):
Usage:
  - Yes-no questions (questions that can be answered with "yes" or "no")
  - Tag questions (short questions added to the end of a statement)
  - Expressions of uncertainty or politeness
Pattern:
  - The pitch rises toward the end of the sentence.
  - The final stressed syllable has a higher pitch than the preceding syllables.
Examples:
  - "Is it raining outside?" (Yes-no question)
  - "You're coming to the party, aren't you?" (Tag question)
  - "I think it's a good idea?" (Expression of uncertainty)