>> ZG·Lingua >  >> Theoretical Linguistics >> Phonology

What is a repeated pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables?

A repeated pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables is called meter.

Meter is a fundamental element of poetry and is used to create rhythm and musicality.

Here are some common types of meter:

* Iambic: Unstressed followed by stressed (e.g., "be**low")

* Trochaic: Stressed followed by unstressed (e.g., "daily")

* Spondaic: Two stressed syllables (e.g., "heart**break")

* Anapestic: Two unstressed followed by stressed (e.g., "independ**ent")

* Dactylic: Stressed followed by two unstressed (e.g., "happi**ness")

The number of metrical feet (pairs of stressed and unstressed syllables) in a line of poetry also contributes to the meter. For example:

* Monometer: One metrical foot per line

* Dimeter: Two metrical feet per line

* Trimeter: Three metrical feet per line

* Tetrameter: Four metrical feet per line

* Pentameter: Five metrical feet per line

* Hexameter: Six metrical feet per line

So, a line of poetry with five iambic feet would be called iambic pentameter, while a line with four anapestic feet would be called anapestic tetrameter.

Copyright © www.zgghmh.com ZG·Lingua All rights reserved.