Intonation is crucial for communication. It's also a largely unconscious mechanism, and as such, a complex aspect of pronunciation.
What is intonation?
Intonation is about how we say things, rather than what we say.
Without intonation, it's impossible to understand the expressions and thoughts that go with words.
Listen to somebody speaking without paying attention to the words: the 'melody' you hear is the intonation. It has the following features:
Intonation serves to let the listener know :
1. whether you have finished a sentence or not.
2. Whether you are making a statement or asking a question.
3. It conveys information about attitude. Is he trying to be friendly, or helpful, or are you being cold and hostile?
Adapted from:
BRITISH COUNCIL and BBC INTONATION
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