Rhythm and Stress
1. Rhythm:
Definition: Rhythm in speech refers to the pattern of sounds and silences that occurs in spoken language. It is the regular alternation of stressed and unstressed syllables that creates a flow in speech.
Characteristics:
- Rhythm is about the timing and regularity of syllables within speech. It helps in the natural flow and pace of speaking.
- It is influenced by the distribution of stressed and unstressed syllables and the overall tempo of speech.
- For example, in English, the rhythm often follows a pattern of alternating stressed and unstressed syllables, creating a "beat" or cadence.
Example: In the phrase "I’m going to the store," the rhythm might emphasize "going" and "store," with a natural flow from one syllable to the next.
2. Stress:
Definition: Stress refers to the emphasis placed on certain syllables or words within speech. Stressed syllables are pronounced with greater force, louder volume, higher pitch, and longer duration compared to unstressed syllables.
Characteristics:
- Stress is a key element in determining the meaning and clarity of words and sentences. It affects how words are understood and perceived in context.
- It can change the meaning of words (e.g., ‘record’ as a noun vs. ‘record’ as a verb) and can influence sentence emphasis.
- For example, in the word "photograph," the stress falls on the first syllable: ‘PHO-to-graph.’ In "photography," the stress shifts to the second syllable: ‘pho-TO-graph-y.’
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