Speak English Professionally: Pronuncation

STRESS

Word stress: 

• Every word has stress on a syllable.
• Pronounce louder, longer on the stressed syllable.

Examples:

1. pronounce (/prəˈnaʊns/)
2. answer (/ˈænsɚ/ )
3. mirror (/ˈmirɚ/)
4. confused (/kənˈfjuːzd/)
5. piano (/piˈænoʊ/)
6. finally (/ˈfaɪnl̟i/)
7. garbage (/ˈgɑɚbɪʤ/)
8. personality (/ˌpɚsəˈnæləti/)
9. relationship (/rɪˈleɪʃənˌʃɪp/)
10. Japanese (/ˌʤæpəˈniːz/)
11. computer (/kəmˈpjuːtɚ/)
12. technique (/tɛkˈniːk/)
13. refrigerator (/rɪˈfrɪʤəˌreɪtɚ/)
14. attention (/əˈtɛnʃən/)
15. unfortunately (/ˌʌnˈfoɚtʃənətli/)

Sentence stress:

• Stress (louder, longer, higher) on content words (words build the meaning for sentence): verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, Wh-words, negative words (no, can't, not).
• Do not stress "structure" words (softer, shorter, lower): prepositions, pronouns, articles, modals, auxiliaries (can, should, have, be).

Examples:

1. Can I borrow a pen? (2 beats)
2. I’m going to the bank. (2 beats)
3. Tell her I’ll be late. (2 beats)
4. Let’s go to a movie. (3 beats)
5. The pizza party is today. (3 beats)
6. Thanks for the birthday gift. (3 beats)
7. John studied for hours. (3 beats)
8. John studied four hours. (4 beats)
9. The key to the door is there. (3 beats)
10. I’m leaving on Monday for my country. (3 beats)

INTONATION (Ngữ điệu, rhythm)

• Rises in Yes-No questions. Rises on the last word of the question.

Are you going to take a trip next year?
Is your friend going to drive with us?
Will the homework assignment take a lot of time?
Can the consulate help you with your visa problem?
Could you please give me your cell phone number?
Would you like a piece of pie?
Have you paid your rent this month?
Will you be able to go to the game with us?
Do you have any plans for the weekend?

• Rises and fall in statements and Wh-questions 

I’m planning a vacation in Florida.
My friend is going to drive to New York with us.
The homework assignment won’t take much time.
The weather in my country is hot and humid.
My family hasn’t done much traveling.
Why do you want my phone number?
Where should I go for help with my visa problem?
What kind of desserts do you have?
Who are you going to the football game with?
When do you have to pay your rent?
How much will I pay for a good used car?




Reference: Coursera