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One of the most notable features of spoken English is its rhythm. Native English speakers alternate between using stressed and unstressed syllables in words and sentences. They do not pronounce all words and syllables with the same emphasis.
One way that non-native English speakers can improve their accent is to learn to use the rhythms of spoken English. In my accent reduction classes and coaching sessions I spend significant time working with stress and rhythm because these features of English are key to comprehensibility.
Here are a few tips to remember:
In every word with two or more syllables, one syllable is stressed or emphasized.
- The vowels in stressed syllables are pronounced with a higher pitch and longer duration than the other vowels in a word.
- The vowel sounds in unstressed syllables often have a schwa sound.
- The stressed syllables of content and focus words create stress within a phrase or thought group.
If you are interested in learning more about my accent reduction classes click on the Contact Me tab above and send me a question.
Here is some more information and a syllable stress practice activity.
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