1. Spanish pronunciation and accent marks
Clyne 2012

2. Pronunciation Example: trabajar / azul
Pronunciation is easy once you memorize the rules…
1. When a word ends in a consonant (other than n/s) you stress the last syllable.
Example: trabajar / azul

3. pronunciation
2. When a word ends in a vowel, n or s the verbal stress is placed on the second to last syllable.
Example: trabajo / nosotros / hablan

4. Most Spanish words end in a vowel, n or s, so the stress will normally be on the next-to-last syllable.
Because Spanish has this rule, you never have to guess how to pronounce it!!

5. So what is an accent mark used for?
So, it’s simple! An accent mark rule is used to say “break the rule!”
Ex: examen – rule #2
examenes – The way this word is pronounced no longer follows rule #2. So what happens?
An accent mark is added because it breaks the rule and you now say it the right way!
exámenes

6. You do this in English without thinking!
English is HARD because it does not have written accents!

7. ENGLISH!!!! AHHHHH!! Think of the word: Convict
Think of the word : Read
Think of the word: Offense
Think of the word: Minute
Accent marks would be most helpful!!

8. Exceptions…of course:
Some words need accents to have a different meaning…
You have bumped into several of these already.

9. For example:
Tu=your
Tú=you
Si=if
Sí=yes
El=the
Él=he

10. Also… Se, can be a reflexive pronoun BUT sé means I know
AND sé can be ser in command form!!
Te, can be a reflexive pronoun
BUT té=tea

11. Now let’s practice!

12. Accent or no accent? If so, where?
Sofa
Tambien
Papa
Mesa
pajaro
Mujer
Reloj
Pescado
cancion

13. Accent or no accent? If so, where?
Sofá
También
Papá
Mesa
pájaro
Mujer
Reloj
Pescado
canción

14. done
Relax…not too bad, right?
It gets easier with practice…