Intonation in English pronunciation

What is intonation?

Intonation is the melody or tune of the spoken language. If you make mistakes with the sounds in English the listener will often still understand you. If you make mistakes with the intonation your mood or feelings about what you have said may be misunderstood.

Sometimes the same words, said with different intonation can have different emphasis or meaning. For example: When answering a question such as "Your name is John, isn't it?" and "Your name isn't John, is it?" The words in your answer may be "No, it isn't", if your name is not John. BuT In one case you are confirming the opinion of the person asking the question and in the other case you are expressing disagreement and surprise.

listen and check

A: Your name is John, isn't it? B: No, it isn't! A: Your name isn't John, is it? B: No, it isn't!

1. Intonation is rising and falling tones over a group of words.
2. Falling intonation (Certainty or completion)
   1. Statements
   2. Information questions (Not yes or no)
   3. Commands
   4. Direction
3. Rising intonation - (unsure or asking a question)
   1. Yes/No questions