Question

In the sentence, "You're coming, aren't you?", which intonation pattern is likely used?

• A. Falling intonation on “Aren’t you?”
• B. Rising intonation on “Aren’t you?”
• C. Level intonation throughout
• D. Fall-rise intonation on “Aren’t you?”

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Rising intonation on “Aren’t you?”

Understanding Intonation in English

• Intonation refers to the rise and fall of the voice when speaking, conveying different meanings, emotions, and grammatical structures. It is a crucial aspect of prosody, the study of elements of speech that are not individual phonetic segments but are properties of syllables and larger units of speech, such as stress, tone, and rhythm.
• There are two primary types of intonation patterns in English: rising intonation and falling intonation.
• Rising intonation means the pitch of the voice increases at the end of a sentence or phrase. It typically indicates uncertainty, questions, or asking for confirmation.
• Falling intonation means the pitch of the voice decreases at the end of a sentence. It usually conveys certainty, finality, statements, or commands.

Intonation in Tag Questions

• A tag question is a short question added to the end of a declarative statement. It is often used to check information or to invite the listener to agree with the speaker.
• The intonation pattern in tag questions significantly alters their meaning and communicative function.

• Rising Intonation on Tag Questions

  • When a tag question has a rising intonation (e.g., "aren't you?" in the given sentence), it indicates that the speaker is uncertain about the statement and is genuinely asking for confirmation.
  • The speaker is posing a true question and expects an answer. For example, in "You're coming, aren't you?" (with rising intonation), the speaker isn't sure if the person is coming and wants to know for certain.
  • This pattern suggests that the speaker lacks full knowledge or is seeking new information.

  Falling Intonation on Tag Questions

  • Conversely, if a tag question has a falling intonation, it implies that the speaker is certain about the statement and is merely inviting the listener's agreement.
  • The speaker is not asking a genuine question but is making more of a statement or rhetorical query. For example, "You're coming, aren't you?" (with falling intonation) would mean the speaker is sure the person is coming and expects a positive response.
  • This pattern is often used to maintain a conversation or encourage participation, rather than to gather new information.

  Application to the Given Sentence

  • The sentence "You're coming, aren't you?" with rising intonation on "aren't you?" signifies that the speaker is expressing a degree of doubt or is asking for verification. They are not certain if the person is indeed coming and are using the tag question to elicit a definitive yes or no answer.
  • This type of question is common in everyday conversations when one needs to confirm plans, facts, or assumptions.

  Relevance for Competitive Exams

  • Understanding intonation patterns is crucial for comprehending the nuances of spoken English and is often tested in sections related to phonology, pragmatics (the study of how context contributes to meaning), and communicative competence.
  • Questions on intonation assess a candidate's ability to interpret meaning beyond literal words, which is vital for advanced English language proficiency.
  • Distinguishing between rising and falling intonation in tag questions is a frequent area of examination in competitive tests focusing on English language usage and understanding.