Vowel stress refers to the emphasis placed on certain vowel sounds within a word or phrase. This emphasis makes the stressed vowel sound more prominent than the unstressed ones.
Characteristics of Stressed Vowels
Based on the provided reference, stressed vowel sounds are characterized by being:
- Longer: The duration of the vowel sound is extended.
- Louder: The amplitude or volume of the vowel sound is increased.
- Higher in pitch: The frequency of the vowel sound is elevated.
These features, or any combination of them, can contribute to the perception of vowel stress. It is important to note that vowel stress is not always about being louder but can be about any of these characteristics.
How Vowel Stress Functions
Vowel stress is crucial for:
- Word recognition: In many languages, the placement of stress can distinguish between words that are spelled the same but have different meanings (e.g., 'record' vs. 'record').
- Clarity: Stress helps to make speech easier to understand by highlighting the important parts of words.
- Rhythm and intonation: Stress contributes to the overall rhythm and intonation pattern of spoken language.
Examples of Vowel Stress
Here's a simple table to demonstrate how vowel stress is marked:
| Word | Stressed Syllable | Unstressed Syllable(s) |
|---|---|---|
| photo | First | Second |
| tomorrow | Second | First, Third |
| computer | Second | First, Third |
In these examples, the bolded syllable contains the stressed vowel.
Practical Application
Understanding vowel stress can help in:
- Learning a new language: Accurately reproducing stress patterns is crucial for sounding natural in the target language.
- Improving pronunciation: Paying attention to stress can help individuals improve their own speech clarity.
- Speech therapy: Identifying and correcting stress pattern issues is important in speech therapy.
Vowel stress is a key element of spoken language. By adjusting the length, volume, or pitch of vowel sounds, speakers convey meaning, rhythm, and emphasis.
