TONES

Tone is shown or heard in how something is being said. It is more like an attitude
rather than being a voice pattern. It is somebodys general sound may he sound
happy, upset, excited, angry or ecstatic among other moods. Thus, tone is part of
pragmatic communication. This means that emotion has a great deal of influence
to ones tone. By using different tones, the words in a sentence can have other
meanings aside from the real original meaning of those words.
There are five different kinds of tones:
Fall
Gives the impression of finality.
For example:
a. Have you seen Avatar?
b. Yes
Fail indicates: I have answered your question and do not intend to add anything
else.

Rise
Conveys an impression that something more is to follow.
For example:
a. Have you seen Laila?
b. Yes
Rise indicates: I want to continue the conversation, I am curious

Fall- rise
Shows limited agreement, uncertainty and doubt.
For example:
a. Am I supposed to know how to cook couscous?
b. Yes!
This tone shows limited agreement, uncertainty and doubt

Rise fall
Convey rather strong feelings of approval, disapproval or surprise. This tone is
used rarely in English.
For example:
a. President Obama had a meeting with the coordinator of our class?
b. Yes!
Fall- rise indicates: I am also surprised but I am sure of what I am saying
Level
Tone is neutral and uninterested (usually called flat). It almost always conveys a
feeling of routine, uninteresting or boring.
For example:
a. Do you remember Professor Adriana, the nice lady who gave us hard time in
communication class?
b. Yes
Level indicates: I am NOT interest to hearing about her