intonation

Question

what is rising tune? what are the functions? when is it used in English language?

Pronunciationkaren · Accepted Answer

Rising intonation has several uses, the main ones of which are:

- to indicate something else is to follow.
Examples would be - a list where all elements except the final element having rising intonation
- where something is inferred but not said e.g I like Tom (but I don't like his wife)
- where there is more information to follow e.g. Even though I was tired (rising tone), I couldn't get to sleep (falling tone). The rising tone in this last context often indicates already shared information.
Where someone is narrating a story rising intonation can also be used to create suspense i.e. to show that more of the story is to follow.

- to encourage the other speaker to continue
e.g. A: You need to turn the screwdriver to the right
B: Yes (with rising intonation - means yes, and what next)

- for yes/no questions
- it could be argued that this also is an example of non-completion e.g. Is your car blue? (or another colour?)
Do you have the keys? (or does someone else have them?)

- in question tags to show uncertainty
This again has an implication of wanting the other speaker to expand on or confirm what has been said, whereas a tag question e.g isn't it? with a falling intonation is more of a rhetorical question and the speaker is fairly certain of the answer.

- to repeat a question either due to surprise or because the listener didn't hear the first answer
e.g. A: I'm going to meet someone.
B: Who are you going to meet?
A: I'm going to meet Julia.
B: Who are you going to meet? (rising tone)

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