1. Falling Intonation:
* Characterized by: A drop in pitch from the beginning of the utterance to the end.
* Used to:
* Indicate statements of fact or opinions.
* Convey a sense of finality or completeness.
* Show confidence or certainty.
* Examples: "The sky is blue." "I like pizza." "It's raining outside."
2. Rising Intonation:
* Characterized by: A rise in pitch from the beginning of the utterance to the end.
* Used to:
* Indicate questions.
* Show uncertainty or surprise.
* Express politeness or hesitancy.
* Examples: "Are you coming?" "Is this your book?" "I think I might be sick."
Beyond these two main types, there are many other intonation patterns used in speech:
* Falling-Rising Intonation: Starts with a fall and ends with a rise. Used for surprise, sarcasm, or to soften a statement.
* Rising-Falling Intonation: Starts with a rise and ends with a fall. Used for emphasis or to show disapproval.
* Level Intonation: Maintains a relatively even pitch throughout the utterance. Used for conveying boredom, indifference, or monotone speech.
Important Note: The specific intonation patterns used in a language vary depending on the context, culture, and individual speaker.
Overall, intonation is a complex aspect of language that plays a crucial role in conveying meaning, emotion, and attitude.