Accented Syllables in English:
Accented syllables are the stronger syllables in a word. They are pronounced with more emphasis than other syllables.
Here's how to identify them:
* Stress Mark: In dictionaries, an accent mark (often a small vertical line) is placed before the accented syllable.
* Example: re'cord (the ' indicates the accented syllable)
* Pronunciation: You can usually tell by how the word is pronounced. The accented syllable is typically:
* Louder than other syllables.
* Slightly higher in pitch.
* Longer in duration.
Factors affecting accent placement:
* Word type: Different types of words (e.g., nouns, verbs) often have different accent patterns.
* Origin: Words from other languages can have different accent rules.
* Context: The meaning of a word can sometimes change depending on where the accent is placed (e.g., con'duct (verb) vs. con'duct (noun)).
* Word structure: Suffixes and prefixes can influence the accent.
Why are accented syllables important?
* Clarity: They help differentiate between words with similar spellings but different meanings (e.g., re'cord (noun) vs. re'cord (verb)).
* Rhythm: They contribute to the rhythm and flow of speech.
* Pronunciation: They help us pronounce words correctly.
Remember:
* Accents are not always predictable, and there are many exceptions to the rules.
* The best way to learn the accent of a word is to listen to it spoken by a native speaker or consult a dictionary.
Example:
The word "photograph" has two syllables: pho'to and graph. The accented syllable is pho'to. This is because it is pronounced with more emphasis and is slightly higher in pitch than the second syllable.
Important Note:
The placement of accent marks in dictionaries can be helpful, but it's crucial to remember that pronunciation can vary depending on regional dialects and individual speakers.