* Increased loudness: The stressed syllable is spoken louder than the other syllables.
* Higher pitch: The stressed syllable is spoken at a higher pitch than the other syllables.
* Longer duration: The stressed syllable is held for a longer time than the other syllables.
Why is Syllable Prominence Important?
Syllable prominence plays a crucial role in:
* Understanding speech: It helps listeners distinguish between different words and understand the meaning of sentences. For example, "reCORD" (verb) and "REcord" (noun) are pronounced differently due to stress placement.
* Rhythm and melody of language: Stress patterns contribute to the rhythm and melody of spoken language, making it more engaging and enjoyable to listen to.
* Learning a language: Understanding syllable prominence is essential for learning the correct pronunciation of words in a new language.
How to Identify Syllable Prominence:
* Dictionaries: Most dictionaries indicate stress patterns using a symbol like an accent mark (e.g., 'reCORD').
* Listening to native speakers: Pay attention to how native speakers pronounce words and identify which syllables they emphasize.
* Practice: Practice reading aloud and consciously emphasizing the stressed syllables in words.
Examples of Syllable Prominence:
* 'REcord' (noun): The first syllable is stressed.
* 'reCORD' (verb): The second syllable is stressed.
* 'unDERstand': The second syllable is stressed.
* 'aBOUT': The first syllable is stressed.
Understanding syllable prominence is crucial for clear and effective communication. By being aware of stress patterns, you can improve your pronunciation and comprehension of spoken language.