1. Pronunciation:
* Stress: Stressed syllables are pronounced with more force and emphasis, making them louder and longer than unstressed syllables.
* Pitch: The pitch of the voice often rises on stressed syllables.
* Vowel quality: Stressed vowels are typically clearer and more distinct, while unstressed vowels can be reduced or shortened.
2. Meaning:
* Word emphasis: Stress can change the meaning of a word. For example, "CONtract" (an agreement) vs. "conTRACT" (to shrink).
* Sentence meaning: Stress helps convey the intended meaning of a sentence. For example, "I went to the store" emphasizes the action, while "I went to the store" emphasizes the destination.
3. Rhythm and meter:
* Poetry and music: Stress is crucial in poetry and music, creating rhythm and patterns.
* Natural speech: Stress contributes to the natural rhythm and flow of spoken language.
4. Language acquisition:
* Learners: Acquiring the correct stress patterns in a new language is essential for comprehension and fluency.
Why are stressed syllables different?
The reasons for stress patterns are complex and involve historical, grammatical, and semantic factors. Some key reasons include:
* Emphasis: Stress is used to highlight important words and phrases.
* Clarity: Stress helps to make speech more clear and understandable.
* Rhythm: Stress creates rhythm in language, making it more pleasing and easier to process.
* Evolution: Stress patterns have evolved over time, influenced by historical and grammatical changes.
Examples:
* "REcord" vs. "reCORD": The first example highlights the noun "record," while the second emphasizes the verb "to record."
* "I like bananas." vs. "I like bananas." The first sentence emphasizes the type of fruit, while the second emphasizes the liking.
* "The cat sat on the mat." Stress highlights the important elements of the sentence.
In conclusion, stressed syllables differ from unstressed syllables in their pronunciation, meaning, rhythm, and contribution to language acquisition. This difference is essential for clear communication, understanding, and the beauty of language.