> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://mcgill-phonetics-lab.gitbook.io/intonations-of-colloquial-english/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://mcgill-phonetics-lab.gitbook.io/intonations-of-colloquial-english/master.md).

# Preface

Intonation is based on three major premises: 

1. **Intonation is significant**: Utterances that differ in intonation can produce a difference in meaning. 
2. **Intonation is systematic:** Tunes are originally learned as children. There is a limited number of pitch patterns used to produce meaningful effects.
3. **Intonation is characteristic**: Varies by language. The same intonational effect produced in one language does not produce the same effect in another. 

Intonation also has several roles and functions. 

* It divides long utterances into grammatically relevant word groups. 
* Also has a grammatical purpose: Different intonations (i.e. tunes and patterns of pitch) convey different meanings. 
  * *Example*: You can have | beans or cabbage | |. Depending on the type of pitch, it can mean you can have beans and cabbage **only** or beans and cabbage are merely examples of a list of vegetables you can also have. Raising the pitch of your voice on "beans" and lowering it on "cabbage" represents a limited choice. However, raising the pitch on both "beans" and "cabbage" would indicate the latter. 
* It can express the attitude of a speaker. 
  * *Example*: "Thank you". Your voice falling expresses genuine gratitude, for example.