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Intonation, which can be defined as the rise and fall in the pitch of the voice of a speaker of a language is what makes the spoken language (Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and English) very interesting.
Not only would your intonation show that you are a great speaker of the language, it would also attract the admiration of others and make you unique.
Unfortunately, a lot of intelligent people don't know how to increase or decrease the pitch of their voices in relation to what they are saying. This article is meant to correct that.
It should be noted that in the English language, we have two tunes. They are the rising tune and the falling tune.
This article would address the aspect that influences the tune and how the rising tune is used.
Contexts where the rising tune is applied...
- For questions (yes/no)
- Are you going out?
- Is that your pen?
- Is that your uncle?
The rising tune should be used when pronouncing the last words in the sentences, "out, pen and uncle."
- For making requests
- May I take his place?
- Please can you give me your pen?
- Can I make use of your book"
As written above, "place, pen and book" should not be pronounced using the falling tune.
- To show or express surprise or disbelief
- Speaker A: Ebere has the best mother in the world.
Speaker B: Really? - Speaker A: Nkechi has gone to London
Speaker B: Tomi, are you serious?
It would not sound interesting if Speakers B use the falling tune. Therefore, it should be noted that for emphasis, the pitch of ones voice has to rise!
- To list items
My mother bought our Christmas dresses, food items and some utensils.
I love rice, beans, mango and cornflakes.
It.
It won't be interesting if you use the falling tune to list items.
The next article would focus on the different contexts where the falling tune can be used.