Introduction to Word and Sentence Stress

ZITA, Antonín. Introduction to Word and Sentence Stress. Humanising Language Teaching. Pilgrims, 2023, vol. 2023, No 1. ISSN 1755-9715.

Basic information

• Original name: Introduction to Word and Sentence Stress
• Authors: ZITA, Antonín.
• Edition: Humanising Language Teaching, Pilgrims, 2023, 1755-9715.

Other information

• Original language: English
• Type of outcome: Article in a journal
• Field of Study: 50301 Education, general; including training, pedagogy, didactics [and education systems]
• Country of publisher: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• WWW: Odkaz na elektronickou verzi článku
• Organization unit: Language Centre
• Keywords in English: word stress, sentence stress, ESP, English, English as secondary language
• Tags: ESP, pronunciation, sentence stress, word stress
• Tags: International impact, Reviewed

Abstract

While the pronunciation of individual words can be somewhat straightforward to practice, using word and sentence stress properly is challenging. In some cultures, the practice of word and sentence stress is limited in both primary and secondary education. As a result, identifying a user of English as not being a native speaker is usually fairly easy, as they generally struggle when it comes to conforming with the rules for word and especially sentence stress in their speech. Naturally, incorporating the speech patterns of one’s primary language into their secondary language is a common and even expected phenomenon. Still, it is important to explain to learners of English that stress is an invaluable speech tool in English and that correct use of word and sentence stress greatly improves one’s communication skills. In other words, the point of this activity is to introduce learners of English to the basic concepts of word and sentence stress and make them think about the flow and rhythm of their spoken English.