General American English:
* PEO-ple: The first syllable is stressed, with a longer vowel sound.
Other Dialects:
* PEO-ple: This is common in some British English dialects, where the stress is on the first syllable but the vowel sound may be different.
* pe-OPLE: This is less common, but some speakers may stress the second syllable.
Tips for Clarity:
* Listen to native speakers: Pay attention to how people around you pronounce the word.
* Context: Sometimes the word's meaning or usage can influence the stress. For example, if you're emphasizing the plural aspect, you might stress the second syllable.
* Dictionary: Check a dictionary (online or physical) for pronunciation guides. They often use phonetic transcriptions or stress markers to indicate the correct pronunciation.
Ultimately, the best way to learn the correct stress pattern for "people" is to pay attention to how native speakers in your region pronounce it and practice speaking it yourself.