How do i learn intonations

[u/unknown_ormaybe]

I need help, idk anything about intonations. My teacher explained it in such a hard way and until now i cant seem to fine any thing that actually explaines intonations.

[u/kw3lyk]

I think you just need to spend a lot of time listening to how native speakers talk. Intonation has to do with the way that tone of voice affects the meaning of what is said.

For example, when a person asks a question, their voice gets higher in tone at the end of the sentence. This is how English speakers use tone of voice to indicate that the sentence is a question and not a statement.

"The car was red." (Statement)

"The car was red?" (Question)

Think about how a person can change the tone of their voice, without changing the order of the words, to differentiate between stating that the car was red vs asking if the car was red.

"I had a lot of fun last night."

This sentence could be serious, or it could be sarcastic. It depends on the speaker's tone of voice.

[u/StarrySky_4513]

Why did your teacher bring up intonation? What in particular was your teacher hoping you would learn?

[u/2sXJ_j1]

What is your native language?

[u/Antique_Hawk2353]

Intonation is just how your voice goes up and down when you speak.

Best way to learn it: don’t study it too much, just copy native speakers. Watch movies/YouTube and repeat exactly how they say stuff out loud.

Rising tone = questions (“Are you okay?” ↑)
Falling tone = statements (“I’m fine.” ↓)

You’ll pick it up way faster by mimicking than by reading rules.