INTONATION Islam M. Abu Khater

What is it? when speaking. ► One of the elements of linguistic ► Intonation is the variation of pitch when speaking. ► One of the elements of linguistic prosody. ► Perhaps the most important element of a good accent.

► Intonation helps create the music of a language ► Intonation helps create the music of a language. (like notes in music) ► It is a part of communication. * the rise and fall of pitch in our voice plays a crucial role in how we express meaning. ► Intonation is the change of level of voice

Importance of Intonation in Social Interaction TURN-TAKING: Giving the floor to another person or taking your turn in a conversation INFORMATION STRUCTURE :Major stress items pick out the most important words in the sentence .

Word Stress vs. Intonation Are they different? - stress within a word - a syllable is said Louder, Longer at a higher pitch INTONATION It goes beyond the word level. - it’s a change in pitch within a group of words. A long line of melody

Kinds of Tones Fall – gives the impression of finality Rise- conveys an impression that something more is to follow. Fall-Rise – shows limited agreement, uncertainty and doubt. Rise-Fall – convey rather strong feelings of approval, disapproval or surprise Level- tone is neutral and uninterested (usually calls “flat”)

Intonation Pattern 1. Falling Intonation 2. Rising Intonation Two Basic Patterns 1. Falling Intonation 2. Rising Intonation

What is falling intonation? ►A pattern in which your voice falls to a low pitch by the end of a thought group or statement.

What does it communicate? Certainty You are telling a fact and/or you believe you are right. Finality Completion : You are done speaking. Your listener can now respond.

Falling intonation ■ Declarative sentences ■ W H – questions ■ Commands

Example: Erik builds flutes.// He began building flutes after college.// He has one flute of his very own.//

What is rising intonation? conveys an impression that something more is to follow ■ YES/ NO questions ■ Open- choice alternative questions

Rising Intonation Is that Estelle with them? (Rising Intonation) Example: Is that Estelle with them? (Rising Intonation) He just won first place!

Why teach intonation? Awareness of intonation aids communication. (Difference it makes to meaning) Incorrect intonation can result in misunderstandings, speakers losing interest or even taking offence! As important as word choice

What are the main means of improving intonation while teaching pronunciation? the best way to achieve quick result is constant practicing start listening to speech of native speakers as frequently as possible. the most important is not only to listen to pronunciation, but to repeat phrases and try to imitate the speakers.

THAT’S ALL and Thank you for listening!!