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English Phonetics Sociolinguistics Pragmatics

The Question That Isn’t a Question? The Surprising Linguistics of Uptalk

Estimated read time 6 min read

Ever notice how some people end statements as if they were asking a question? This rising inflection, known as “uptalk,” is often dismissed as a sign of uncertainty, but its true story is far more complex. From its “Valley Girl” roots to its global spread, uptalk is a surprisingly sophisticated tool for politeness, inclusion, and modern storytelling.