FALLING-RISING INTONATION
Falling-rising intonation is characterized by a combination of a fall followed by a rise. This intonation pattern is the reverse of the rising-falling pattern. Falling rising intonation is often used for soothing and politeness. When small children feel uneasy, for example, parents use falling-rising intonation to soothe them. Soothing refers to statements that make pain or discomfort less severe. Take the following examples:
Don't cry.
I'll take you to the park.
For purposes of politeness, too, falling-rising intonation is a good tool. Take the following example:
Thank you
If the level of pitch falls on "thank" and then rises over "you", the expression will be more polite than when it is pronounced with falling intonation.
Falling-rising intonation pattern is sometimes used for pleading. Pleading refers to statements in which the speaker makes an earnest or urgent entreaty, often in emotional terms. Take this example:
I plead with you to stay.
You will have certainly noticed that falling-rising intonation is a good tool for the expression of emotions. Politeness, soothing, and pleading are all emotionally charged.
