Pronunciation: Stress, Syllables and Aspiration
摘要
This chapter explores the interplay between pronunciation, stress, syllables, and aspiration in English. It begins by explaining how stress functions within words, identifying patterns that govern stress placement in nouns, verbs, adjectives, and compound words. Learners are introduced to the concept of syllables and how stress on particular syllables affects meaning and intelligibility. The chapter also addresses the role of aspiration in English pronunciation, particularly the aspirated release of voiceless plosives /p/, /t/, and /k/ at the beginning of stressed syllables. Through rules, examples, and targeted exercises, the chapter aims to enhance learners’ phonological awareness and help them refine their spoken English to better align with native-like speech patterns.