Intonation

The intonation contours of the Pure Fiji English of Indo-Fijians are very different from those of Indian English. However, the rising terminal intonation of English ‘yes/no’ questions which is reserved for expressions of surprise in Hindi are carried over into Indo-Fijian English. The characteristic Indo-Fijian interrogative pattern, in which the end of a ‘yes/no’ question is marked by a rise followed by a fall in pitch (like that of Pure Fiji English of Fijian speakers), is quite unlike the Standard English norm. This sometimes leads to misunderstanding between speakers of Standard English and Pure Fiji English, particularly in polite requests, when the requestor gives the impression that a positive reply is expected.