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Functions of Intonation
No sentence, however carefully constructed grammatically, can convey the
desired message unless it is said with the appropriate intonation. In the orga-
nization and communication of meaning, intonation is complementary to
grammar. In all the three functions it performs, grammatical, attitudinal and
accentual, it conveys meaning in one sense or another.
i. Grammatical function
Intonation distinguishes different types of sentences. The difference
between the following two pairs of sentences, which are grammati-
cally identical, is only one of intonation.

• He is ‵late. (statement) (Falling Tone)
• He is͵ late. (question) (Rising Tone)
• Shut the ‵door. (command) (Falling Tone)
• Shut the͵ door. (request) (Rising Tone)

Intonation also helps the speaker divide longer utterances into smaller,
grammatically relevant word groups (tone groups) each carrying a dif-
ferent pattern of pitch changes and indicating for the listener whether
a particular tone group is a complete or incomplete utterance.
The following example will illustrate this.
//when you come here, (incomplete/ I’ll get you what you want
(complete)

ii. Attitudinal function
Intonation is perhaps the chief means by which the speaker conveys
his attitudes and emotions. The grammar of an utterance does not
reveal in any noticeable way whether the speaker’s attitude is one of
politeness, assertiveness concern, incredulity etc.
Intonation makes distinctions of attitudinal nuances to which
grammar most often gives no structural clues. The following pairs
of sentences show how intonation signals the speaker attitudes and
emotions.
a. When can you ‵come? (neither polite nor impolite)
b. When can you͵ come ? (expresses politeness)

a. He is very ′good, (plain statement)
b. He is very good, (reservation on the part of the speaker)
∨
a. Thank ͵you (genuine gratitude)
b. Thank ‵you (casual)

Bhatnagar_Chapter 09.indd 210 2011-06-23 7:52:58 PM
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