1. Falling Intonation:
* Pattern: The pitch of the voice starts relatively high and gradually falls towards the end of the utterance.
* Function: Typically used for statements, commands, and questions that expect a "yes" or "no" answer.
* Examples:
* "I went to the store."
* "Close the door."
* "Are you coming?" (when expecting a simple "yes" or "no" answer)
2. Rising Intonation:
* Pattern: The pitch of the voice starts relatively low and rises towards the end of the utterance.
* Function: Used for questions that require more information or clarification, lists, and showing surprise or uncertainty.
* Examples:
* "What did you do today?" (seeking more detail)
* "We have apples, oranges, and bananas." (list)
* "You're going to the concert?" (surprise or uncertainty)
Important Note:
* These are just general guidelines. The actual intonation patterns can be very nuanced and influenced by factors like context, speaker's emotions, and cultural variations.
* Many other intonation patterns exist, such as:
* Level Intonation: The pitch remains relatively constant throughout the utterance.
* Dipping Intonation: The pitch falls and then rises again.
* Contour Intonation: The pitch changes in a more complex way throughout the utterance.
Understanding the various intonation patterns helps to convey meaning, add emphasis, and create a more natural and engaging speech style.