Intonation in English Arabic Functions of intonation l

Intonation in English & Arabic

Functions of intonation : l In grammatical structure. l Clarify the contrast between different question types & the way which question differ from statement. l Express speaker’s attitude.

The importance of intonation in social interaction : l Turn-talking l Information structure l Distinguishing the meaning

Intonation pattern : two basic patterns : Falling intonation. 2. Rising intonation. 1.

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

What it does communicate ? l Certainty : You are telling the fact or you are right. l Completion : You are done from speaking.

Falling intonation : l Declarative l WH- sentence. question. l Commands .

What is rising intonation ? l Conveys l It your impression is used on : Yes – No questions. open choice alternative questions.

Types of English intonation : l High – Fall : The voice starts high and falls to law pitch. We use it in : *Polite , friendly verbless. *Polite & affirmative structure. ex. This is the living room. Well , what did you eat? Youarent serious. Are you?

l Low – Rise : The voice starts at low or medium pitch and rises to high pitch. We use it in : When expecting disagreement in tagquestion structure. ex. You like to drink tea , don't you ? Repeat. What did you say? Confident imparative: Press the button.

l Low – Fall : The voice starts medium pitch and falls to low pitch. We use it in : In cold expressions verbless. ex. Good Serious imparative Turn right again

l Low –Rise : The voice starts low and rises to medium pitch. We use it in : Friendly & polite expression in an interrogative structure. ex. Do you live near here ?

l Fall –Rise : The voice starts high then falls then rise. We use it in : Expressing partial agreement ex. He is flying to London.

l Rise – Fall : The voice starts in medium pitch then rises and then falls. We use it in : Expressing impressions in a form of verbless structure. ex. Fantastic

Intonation patterns in Arabic : l The differences between English and Arabic intonation pattern : a) Tag question Arabic Always rising English Rising : agreement Falling : denoting Agreement

b) Calling on persons English : we have 2 cases Name is stressed on last syllable , it take High intonation ex. Marie Name is stressed on First syllable , it take High fall pattern ex. Jane

b) Calling on persons Arabic The most commonly used pattern is high fall pattern. when there is a long distance between the two person we use high pattern.

activities for teaching English intonation : l Teacher must be aware of different function of intonation. l Use conversation in order to turn-talking , supporting , questioning. l Have assistant ( record – native speakers)

l Teacher can use role play and drama activities ( play – stories…. . ) l Intonation can also be taught by fun and games. l Teachers can express their attitude and feeling by using intonation.

Practice : Say “ Hello “ l To a friend you meet regularly. l To a friend you haven’t seen for 10 years. l To a friend whom you don’t like.