Here's a breakdown:
* Intonation refers to the rise and fall of your voice when speaking.
* Tonal languages use different tones to distinguish between words that are otherwise spelled the same. For example, in Mandarin Chinese, the word "ma" can mean "mother," "hemp," "horse," or "scold" depending on the tone used.
* Intonation languages use pitch changes within a sentence to convey different meanings, such as:
* Grammatical function: Distinguish between statements, questions, and commands.
* Emphasis: Highlight specific words or phrases.
* Contrasting meanings: Communicate subtle differences in meaning, such as politeness or agreement.
Examples of intonation languages:
* Cantonese Chinese: Uses six distinct tones to differentiate words, and also uses pitch changes within sentences to convey meaning.
* Vietnamese: Has six tones, and intonation is crucial for understanding the intended meaning.
* Swedish: While Swedish is not considered a "tone language", it utilizes intonation heavily to convey different grammatical functions and emphasis.
* Serbian: Employs intonation patterns to distinguish between statements, questions, and commands.
Intonation languages are often challenging for non-native speakers to learn because they require a high degree of awareness and control over their pitch. However, with practice and exposure to the language, it's possible to develop the necessary skills to speak and understand them effectively.