Did you know that the #1 reason why non-native speakers are often misunderstood is because of not having the flow or rhythm when speaking in English?
In English, we do not give equal stress to every syllable or to every word. We spend a lot of time on some syllables within words but then rush through others. To stress a syllable, you make the vowel longer, louder and go up in pitch slightly. Changing the stressed syllable within a word can actually change the meaning of the word.
Let’s practice! Say these words making sure to stress the bolded syllable. Notice how the change in syllable stress creates a different word:
NOUN VERB
REcord – He holds the speed REcord reCORD – I want to reCORD the music
GRAduate – She is a GRAduate of that university graduATE – I hope to graduATE in the spring
PERmit – I need a PERmit to park here perMIT – My father does not perMIT me to go
PREsent – he gave her a PREsent preSENT – I have to preSENT my paper to the class
OBject – She held a strange OBject obJECT – I obJECT to your proposed plan
Notice that these words are spelled exactly the same other than where the stress is placed, which changed the meaning of the words. So, now you see how stress patterns within the same word in English can affect the meaning of that word! Learning to use the right stress patterns will help you convey the correct meaning and others will understand you better!
If you liked this lesson and want more learning and practice, go to accents.pwspeech.com to record your free online accent assessment. I’ll be able to tell you exactly what you can do to personally improve your spoken English. In private lessons, I can offer personal feedback, answer your specific questions, develop a sequenced plan to build on what you’ve learned, and work on specific goals that most benefit you.