Here's a breakdown:
* Syllable: A unit of pronunciation consisting of a single vowel sound, with or without surrounding consonants.
* Accent: The emphasis or stress placed on a particular syllable in a word.
* Unaccented Syllable: A syllable that does not have the primary emphasis. It sounds softer and less distinct than the accented syllable.
Example:
The word "about" has two syllables: "a" and "bout". The syllable "bout" receives the primary emphasis and is therefore the accented syllable. The syllable "a" is unaccented.
Identifying unaccented syllables:
* Listen for the emphasis: When you say a word, you will naturally emphasize one syllable more than the others. The emphasized syllable is the accented one.
* Consult a dictionary: Most dictionaries will mark the accented syllable with a stress mark (').
* Look for patterns: There are some general rules about where the accent falls in English words, but these can be complex and have exceptions.
Why are unaccented syllables important?
* Pronunciation: Understanding unaccented syllables is crucial for accurate pronunciation.
* Rhythm and meter: In poetry and music, the pattern of accented and unaccented syllables creates rhythm and meter.
* Understanding word meaning: Sometimes, the difference between two words is simply the placement of the accent. For example, "conduct" (verb) and "conduct" (noun).
In short, unaccented syllables are important for understanding the sound and meaning of words.