Intonation

A rising-falling intonation indicates that the speaker thinks his or her statement is correct and will be confirmed by the listener, regardless of whether the tag is positive or negative.

Examples:

  • Alice lives in Taipei, doesn't she?
  • Alice doesn't live in Taipei, does she?

A rising intonation indicates that the speaker is unsure of his or her statement.

Examples:

  • Alice lives in Taipei, doesn't she?
  • Alice doesn't live in Taipei, does she?