Stress - Revision history

KPolitt: categorization

2013-05-20T12:00:51Z

categorization

Volker gast at 10:38, 27 June 2010

2010-06-27T10:38:26Z

Volker gast at 10:32, 27 June 2010

2010-06-27T10:32:15Z

Volker gast at 10:26, 27 June 2010

2010-06-27T10:26:48Z

Ppuhlmann: /* Rules of Word Stress in English */ further text revision

2010-06-16T21:22:33Z

Rules of Word Stress in English: further text revision

Ppuhlmann: text revision

2010-06-16T20:23:51Z

text revision

New page

{{stub}}
In [[phonology]], the term '''stress''' generally refers to an abstract property of [[syllable]]s within the [[word domain]] by which they are pronounced with more [[prominence]] than unstressed syllables. Prominence may involve greater [[amplitude]], higher [[pitch]], greater [[duration]] or greater accuracy of articulation (most notably in vowels).

The degree of prominence of a syllable is marked by loudness, length and [[pitch]]. Lexical stress refers to the prominence relations within a word which distinguishes lexical meanings by means of stress, as in 'inCREASE' (verb) vs 'INcrease' (noun). The term '''stress''' is also more generally used to indicate which words or phrases in a sentence bear [[accent]], or [[focus]].

__TOC__
== Stress in English nouns ==

Intonation, the “music” of a language, is perhaps the most important element of a correct accent. Pronunciation is another element constituting an accent, but correct intonation is also necessary in order to make an accent sound indistinguishably native. In many cases non-native speakers who have developed near-native second language skills in the fields of grammar, pronunciation of sounds and words of English, clearly remain recognizable as non-native speaker because of slight variations in intonation.

Therefore, it is necessary to realize that, besides pronunciation and linking, intonation is an important element to attain a native-like accent.

=== Rules of Word Stress in English ===

There are two very simple rules about word stress:

1.''One word has only one stress''. (One word cannot have two stresses. If you hear two stresses, you hear two words. Two stresses cannot be one word. It is true that there can be a "secondary" stress in some words. But a secondary stress is much smaller than the main [primary] stress, and is only used in long words.)

2.''We can only stress vowels, not consonants.''

Here are some more, rather complicated, rules that can help you understand where to put the stress. But do not rely on them too much, because there are many exceptions. It is better to try to "feel" the music of the language and to add the stress naturally.

'''1- Stress on first syllable'''

Most 2-syllable nouns PRESent, EXport, CHIna, TAble

'''2- Stress on last syllable'''

Most 2-syllable verbs to preSENT, to exPORT, to deCIDE, to beGIN

'''3- Stress on penultimate syllable '''

Words ending in '''-ic''' GRAPHic, geoGRAPHic, geoLOGic

Words ending in '''-sion''' and '''-tion''' teleVIsion, reveLAtion

'''4- Stress on ante-penultimate syllable'''

Words ending in -'''cy, -ty, -phy''' and '''-gy''' deMOcracy, dependaBIlity, phoTOgraphy, geOLogy

Words ending in '''-al''' CRItical, geoLOGical

'''5- Stress in compound nouns'''

When we find a group of two or more words together, we have to make a simple decision: which of those should I stress the most? How do I know which one to stress? Well, if it is a description, you should skim over the adjetive and stress the noun:

a nice '''guy'''

a big '''house'''

a good '''idea'''

If you have a two nouns that form a compound noun, stress the first word:

a '''hot''' dog

a '''note'''book

a '''picture''' frame

This will explain why it is said:

He lives in a white '''house'''.

He lives in the '''White''' House.

In compound nouns, the stress usually falls on the first syllable:

a ''''greenhouse''' = place where we grow plants (compound noun)

a '''green 'house''' = house painted green (adjective and noun)

a ''''bluebird''' = type of bird (compound noun)

a '''blue 'bird''' = any bird with blue feathers (adjective and noun)

There are many two-syllable words in English whose meaning and class change with a change in stress. The word '''present''', for example is a two-syllable word. If we stress the first syllable, it is a noun (gift) or an adjective (opposite of absent). But if we stress the second syllable, it becomes a verb (to offer). More examples: the words '''export, import, contract''' and '''object''' can all be nouns or verbs depending on whether the stress is on the first or second syllable.

For a few words, native English speakers don't always "agree" on where to put the stress. For example, some people say '''teleVIsion''' and others say '''TELevision'''. Another example is: '''CONtroversy''' and '''conTROversy'''

== Intonation: Noun or Verb ==

Knowing when and where to stress the words you use is very important for understanding, and is part of a good accent. A clear example is that of the different stress in nouns and verbs.
Usually (although there are some exceptions), the stress of a verb is on the last syllable, and that of a noun is on the first syllable.

to susPECT: meaning, to have an opinion
a SUSpect: meaning, a person under suspicion

to preSENT: meaning, to give, to introduce
a PREsent: meaning, a gift, now

Wohlgemuth: + utrecht

2009-06-09T13:45:20Z

+ utrecht

New page

Linguipedia: New page: {{stub}} In phonology, the term '''stress''' generally refers to an abstract property of syllables within the word domain by which they are pronounced with more prominence ...

2007-09-19T14:48:42Z

New page: {{stub}} In phonology, the term '''stress''' generally refers to an abstract property of syllables within the word domain by which they are pronounced with more prominence ...

New page

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:00, 20 May 2013
Line 45:		Line 45:
	* Giegerich, Heinz J. (1992). ''English Phonology''. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.		* Giegerich, Heinz J. (1992). ''English Phonology''. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
	* Plag, Ingo (2003). ''Word Formation''. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.		* Plag, Ingo (2003). ''Word Formation''. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
		+
		+	[[Category:En]]
		+	[[Category:DICT]]
		+	[[Category:Phonology]]

@@ Line 24: / Line 24: @@
 ===Trisyllabic verbs===
-'''Trisyllabic verbs'''
+* ... are stressed on the peunultimate syllable if the [[ultimate]] syllable is not heavy: ''abandon'', ''accomplish'', ''elicit'', etc.
-# ... are stressed on the peunultimate syllable if the [[ultimate]] syllable is not heavy: ''abandon'', ''accomplish'', ''elicit'', etc.
+* ... are stressed on the antepenultimate syllable if the ultimate syllable is heavy: ''analyze'', ''celebtrate'', ''culminate'', etc.
 ===Distinctive lexical stress===
-There are many disyllabic words in English whose meaning and class is distinguished by stress, e.g. '''present'''. If the word is stressed on the penultimate syllable, it functions as a noun (''gift'') or an adjective (antonym of ''absent''); if the ultimate syllable is stressed, the word functions as a verb (''offer''). Similarly ''export'', ''import'', ''contract'', ''object'', etc.
+There are many disyllabic words in English whose meaning and class is distinguished by stress, e.g. ''present''. If the word is stressed on the penultimate syllable, it functions as a noun (''gift'') or an adjective (antonym of ''absent''); if the ultimate syllable is stressed, the word functions as a verb (''offer''). Similarly ''export'', ''import'', ''contract'', ''object'', etc.
 ==Rules of stress placement for adjectives==
@@ Line 37: / Line 36: @@
 In cases of groups of two or more words, the place of stress depends on whether the group is a syntactic phrase or a compound noun. If it is a syntactic phrase, the adjective is usually less prominent while the noun carries the main stress: ''a nice GUY'' , ''a big HOUSE'', ''a good IDEA''. If two nouns form a compound noun, the stress is regularly put on the first word ('lefthand stress rule'):  ''a HOT dog'', ''a PICture frame''. There are many (partly regular) exceptions to this rule, however, e.g. ''silk TIE'' and ''apple PIE'' (cf. Plag 2003).
-====Cases of stress variation among native speakers====
+==Cases of stress variation among native speakers==
-In a few words, variation in stress assignment can be observed, which is partly conditioned by [[diatopic]] or [[diastratic]] variation, but which is sometimes also [[idiolectal]]. For example, some people say '''teleVIsion''' while others say '''TELevision'''. Another example is '''CONtroversy''' vs. '''conTROversy'''.
+In a few words, variation in stress assignment can be observed, which is partly conditioned by [[diatopic]] or [[diastratic]] variation, but which is sometimes also [[idiolectal]]. For example, some people say ''teleVIsion'' while others say ''TELevision''. Another example is ''CONtroversy'' vs. ''conTROversy''.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-In [[phonology]], the term '''stress''' generally refers to an abstract property of [[syllable]]s within the [[word domain]]. Stressed syllables are pronounced with more [[prominence]] than unstressed syllables. Prominence may involve greater [[amplitude]], higher [[pitch]], greater [[duration]] or greater accuracy of articulation (most notably in vowels).
+In [[phonology]], the term '''stress''' refers to an abstract property of [[syllable]]s within the [[word domain]]. Stressed syllables are pronounced with more [[prominence]] than unstressed syllables. Prominence may involve greater [[amplitude]], higher [[pitch]], greater [[duration]] or greater accuracy of articulation (most notably in vowels).
 Lexical stress may be distinctive, as in 'inCREASE' (verb) vs 'INcrease' (noun).
@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 ==Rules of stress placement for nouns and verbs==
-There are several, partly competing rules of stress assignment in English. The rules are sentitive to at least four factors: (i) the lexical class of the relevant iten, (ii) the number of syllables, (iii) the phonological make-up of each of the syllables involved, and (iv) the historical origin of the word.
+There are several, partly competing rules of stress assignment in English. The rules are sentitive to at least four factors: (i) the lexical class of the relevant item, (ii) the number of syllables, (iii) the phonological make-up of each of the syllables involved, and (iv) the historical origin of the word.
 ===Disyllabic nouns===
-[[Disyllabic]] nouns are mostly stressed on the [[penultimate]] syllable: ''PRESent'', ''EXport'', ''CHIna'', ''TAble''; exceptions are found in recent loan words, e.g. ''poLICE'', ''hoTEL''.
+are mostly stressed on the [[penultimate]] syllable: ''PRESent'', ''EXport'', ''CHIna'', ''TAble''; exceptions are found in recent loan words, e.g. ''poLICE'', ''hoTEL''.
 ===Disyllabic verbs===
-'''Disyllabic verbs'''
+* ... are stressed on the [[ultimate]] syllable if it is [[heavy]]: ''carouse'', ''esteem'', ''fatigue'', ''foment'', ''maintain'', etc.
-# ... are stressed on the [[ultimate]] syllable if it is [[heavy]]: ''carouse'', ''esteem'', ''fatigue'', ''foment'', ''maintain'', etc.
+* ... are stressed on the [[penultimate]] syllable if the [[ultimate]] syllable is not [[heavy]]: ''ambush'', ''banish'', ''brevet'', ''cancel'', etc.
 ===Trisyllabic nouns===
-'''Trisyllabic nouns'''
+* ... are stressed on the [[penultimate]] syllable if it is not light: ''appendix'', ''banana'', ''intestine'', etc.
-# ... are stressed on the [[penultimate]] syllable if it is not light: ''appendix'', ''banana'', ''intestine'', etc.
+* ... are stressed on the [[antepenultimate]] syllable if the penultimate syllable is light: ''asterisk'', ''citizen'', ''cinema'', etc.
 ===Trisyllabic verbs===
@@ Line 30: / Line 28: @@
 # ... are stressed on the antepenultimate syllable if the ultimate syllable is heavy: ''analyze'', ''celebtrate'', ''culminate'', etc.
-===Lexical Stress - stress determining word class===
+===Distinctive lexical stress===
-There are many disyllabic words in English whose meaning and class is distinguished by stress, e.g. '''present'''. If the penultimate syllable is stressed, the word functions as a noun (''gift'') or an adjective (antonym of ''absent''); if the ultimate syllable is stressed, the word functions as a verb (''offer''). Similarly ''export'', ''import'', ''contract'', ''object'', etc.
+There are many disyllabic words in English whose meaning and class is distinguished by stress, e.g. '''present'''. If the word is stressed on the penultimate syllable, it functions as a noun (''gift'') or an adjective (antonym of ''absent''); if the ultimate syllable is stressed, the word functions as a verb (''offer''). Similarly ''export'', ''import'', ''contract'', ''object'', etc.
-==Rules of stress assignment for adjectives==
+==Rules of stress placement for adjectives==
-Adjectives share properties with both verbs and nouns, as far as their prosodic behaviour is concerned. Many disyllabic adjectives are stressed on the penultimate syllable: ''ancient'', ''fragile'', ''hollow', ''narrow'', etc. Often, the stress position within a disyllabic adjectives is a function of the final syllable or suffix. For example, adjectives ending in ''-ant'', ''-ow'', ''-ient'' and ''-ous'' are normally stressed on the [[penultimate]] syllable: ''flagrant'', ''callow'', ''ancient'', ''anxious''. Specific (mostly Latinate) suffixes attract stress, e.g. '''-eme'' (''extreme'', ''supreme'') and ''-ene'' (''serene'', ''obscene'').
+Adjectives share properties with both verbs and nouns, as far as their prosodic behaviour is concerned. Many disyllabic adjectives are stressed on the penultimate syllable: ''ancient'', ''fragile'', ''hollow'', ''narrow'', etc. Often, the stress position within a disyllabic adjectives is a function of the final syllable or suffix. For example, adjectives ending in ''-ant'', ''-ow'', ''-ient'' and ''-ous'' are normally stressed on the [[penultimate]] syllable: ''flagrant'', ''callow'', ''ancient'', ''anxious''. Specific (mostly Latinate) suffixes attract stress, e.g. '''-eme'' (''extreme'', ''supreme'') and ''-ene'' (''serene'', ''obscene'').
 ==Stress in adjective-noun combinations==
-In cases of groups of two or more words, the place of stress depends on whether the group is a syntactic phrase or a compound noun. If it is a syntactic phrase, the adjective is usually less prominent while the noun carries the main stress: ''a nice GUY'' , ''a big HOUSE'', ''a good IDEA''. If two nouns form a compound noun, the stress is regularly put on the first word ('lefthand stress rule):  ''a HOT dog'', ''a PICture frame''. There are many (partly regular) exceptions to this rule, however, e.g. ''silk TIE'' and ''apple PIE'' (cf. Plag 2003).
+In cases of groups of two or more words, the place of stress depends on whether the group is a syntactic phrase or a compound noun. If it is a syntactic phrase, the adjective is usually less prominent while the noun carries the main stress: ''a nice GUY'' , ''a big HOUSE'', ''a good IDEA''. If two nouns form a compound noun, the stress is regularly put on the first word ('lefthand stress rule'):  ''a HOT dog'', ''a PICture frame''. There are many (partly regular) exceptions to this rule, however, e.g. ''silk TIE'' and ''apple PIE'' (cf. Plag 2003).
 ====Cases of stress variation among native speakers====
 In a few words, variation in stress assignment can be observed, which is partly conditioned by [[diatopic]] or [[diastratic]] variation, but which is sometimes also [[idiolectal]]. For example, some people say '''teleVIsion''' while others say '''TELevision'''. Another example is '''CONtroversy''' vs. '''conTROversy'''.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{stub}}
+In [[phonology]], the term '''stress''' generally refers to an abstract property of [[syllable]]s within the [[word domain]]. Stressed syllables are pronounced with more [[prominence]] than unstressed syllables. Prominence may involve greater [[amplitude]], higher [[pitch]], greater [[duration]] or greater accuracy of articulation (most notably in vowels).
-The degree of prominence of a syllable is marked by loudness, length and [[pitch]]. Lexical stress refers to the prominence relations within a word which distinguishes lexical meanings by means of stress, as in 'inCREASE' (verb) vs 'INcrease' (noun). The term '''stress''' is also more generally used to indicate which words or phrases in a sentence bear [[accent]], or [[focus]].
+Lexical stress may be distinctive, as in 'inCREASE' (verb) vs 'INcrease' (noun).
 __TOC__
-== Stress in English nouns ==
+==General rules of stress assignment in English==
+There is only one primary stress position per word. Only syllables with a vocalic nucleus may be stressed.
-a big '''house'''
+==Rules of stress placement for nouns and verbs==
-a good '''idea'''
+===Disyllabic nouns===
-If two nouns form a compound noun, the stress is put on the first word:
+===Trisyllabic nouns===
-a '''hot''' dog
+===Trisyllabic verbs===
-a '''note'''book
+===Lexical Stress - stress determining word class===
-a '''picture''' frame
+==Rules of stress assignment for adjectives==
+==Stress in adjective-noun combinations==
-The difference is also illustrated in the following examples:
+In cases of groups of two or more words, the place of stress depends on whether the group is a syntactic phrase or a compound noun. If it is a syntactic phrase, the adjective is usually less prominent while the noun carries the main stress: ''a nice GUY'' , ''a big HOUSE'', ''a good IDEA''. If two nouns form a compound noun, the stress is regularly put on the first word ('lefthand stress rule):  ''a HOT dog'', ''a PICture frame''. There are many (partly regular) exceptions to this rule, however, e.g. ''silk TIE'' and ''apple PIE'' (cf. Plag 2003).
 ====Cases of stress variation among native speakers====
-For a few words, native English speakers don't always "agree" on where to put the stress. For example, some people say '''teleVIsion''' and others say '''TELevision'''. Another example is: '''CONtroversy''' and '''conTROversy'''
+In a few words, variation in stress assignment can be observed, which is partly conditioned by [[diatopic]] or [[diastratic]] variation, but which is sometimes also [[idiolectal]]. For example, some people say '''teleVIsion''' while others say '''TELevision'''. Another example is '''CONtroversy''' vs. '''conTROversy'''.

@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
-There are two very simple rules about word stress:
+====Two major rules for word stress====
-.''One word has only one stress''. (One word cannot have two stresses. If you hear two stresses, you hear two words. Two stresses cannot be one word. It is true that there can be a "secondary" stress in some words. But a secondary stress is much smaller than the main [primary] stress, and is only used in long words.)
+#''There is only one main stress per word''. (One word cannot have two stresses. However, there can be a "secondary" stress in some words, but a secondary stress is much prominent than the main [primary] stress, and it is only used in long words.)
-Here are some more, rather complicated, rules that can help you understand where to put the stress. But do not rely on them too much, because there are many exceptions. It is better to try to "feel" the music of the language and to add the stress naturally.
+====Further rules for word stress ====
-'''1- Stress on first syllable'''
+'''a. Stress on first syllable'''
 Most 2-syllable nouns	PRESent, EXport, CHIna, TAble
-'''2- Stress on last syllable'''
+'''b. Stress on last syllable'''
 Most 2-syllable verbs	to preSENT, to exPORT, to deCIDE, to beGIN
-'''3- Stress on penultimate syllable '''
+'''c. Stress on penultimate syllable '''
 Words ending in '''-ic'''	GRAPHic, geoGRAPHic, geoLOGic
@@ Line 38: / Line 39: @@
 Words ending in '''-sion''' and '''-tion'''	teleVIsion, reveLAtion
-'''4- Stress on ante-penultimate syllable'''
+'''d. Stress on ante-penultimate syllable'''
 Words ending in -'''cy, -ty, -phy''' and '''-gy'''	deMOcracy, dependaBIlity, phoTOgraphy, geOLogy
@@ Line 44: / Line 45: @@
 Words ending in '''-al'''	CRItical, geoLOGical
-When we find a group of two or more words together, we have to make a simple decision: which of those should I stress the most?  How do I know which one to stress? Well, if it is a description, you should skim over the adjetive and stress the noun:
+==== Stress for modifying adjectives and compound nouns====
 a nice '''guy'''
@@ Line 55: / Line 57: @@
-If you have a two nouns that form a compound noun, stress the first word:
+If two nouns form a compound noun, the stress is put on the first word:
 a '''hot''' dog
@@ Line 64: / Line 66: @@
-This will explain why it is said:
+The difference is also illustrated in the following examples:
-He lives in a white '''house'''.
+#He lives in a white '''house'''.
 He lives in the '''White''' House.
 a ''''greenhouse''' = place where we grow plants (compound noun)
 a '''green 'house''' = house painted green (adjective and noun)
 a ''''bluebird''' = type of bird (compound noun)
@@ Line 82: / Line 83: @@
-There are many two-syllable words in English whose meaning and class change with a change in stress. The word '''present''', for example is a two-syllable word. If we stress the first syllable, it is a noun (gift) or an adjective (opposite of absent). But if we stress the second syllable, it becomes a verb (to offer). More examples: the words '''export, import, contract''' and '''object''' can all be nouns or verbs depending on whether the stress is on the first or second syllable.
+Further examples: the words '''export, import, contract''' and '''object''' can all be nouns or verbs depending on whether the stress is on the first or the second syllable.
 For a few words, native English speakers don't always "agree" on where to put the stress. For example, some people say '''teleVIsion''' and others say '''TELevision'''. Another example is: '''CONtroversy''' and '''conTROversy'''
 == Intonation: Noun or Verb ==