1. 语音与正音 邯郸学院外国语学院 《语音与正音》四级课题组 节奏

2. Brief Introduction Rhythm 节奏 I.General Introduction 1. What is rhythm? Rhythm is the internal law of language. Rhythm in English speech is based on stress. It is the pattern of regular arrangement and alternation of stressed and unstressed syllables. 2. What are the distinctive characteristics of spoken Chinese and English concerning rhythm? Spoken Chinese: almost every word should be stressed; word by word Spoken English: including stressed words and unstressed ones, more fluent

3. Brief Introduction Rhythm 节奏 2) English is a stress-timed language. Less unstressed syllables, comparatively lower speed; more unstressed syllables, comparatively higher speed, for example: ○ ○ One two three four ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ One and two and three and four ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ One and a two and a three and a four ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ One and then a two and then a three and then a four II. Some rules of English rhythm 1) In spoken English, the length among stressed syllables is equal, for example: ○ ○ One two three four

4. Brief Introduction Rhythm 节奏 3) Division of foot( 节奏群） a.Each stressed syllable and some unstressed syllables behind it construct a foot. ( generally marked by “ / ” ), for example: ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ /Well / done! /Sing a /song. / Put it on the /desk. b. Sometimes a foot starts with a silent stress ( 空拍 ), followed by some unstressed syllables, always at the beginning of sentences and places where pause is needed. For example: ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ He was at / home. I /want to/ buy a/ walkman.