Stress-timed vs. syllable-timed languages

A video about the nature of stress-timed versus syllable-timed languages. In this video we will have a look at the feature that govern stress-timed languages such as English. Here, the main rule is: keep the same timing from one stressed syllable to the next! This means all the syllables in between have to be said faster and as a result we have weak forms and other things happening in connected speech. This is very different in syllable-timed languages in which syllables are usually more or less the same in length. Confused? Watch the video to find out more and see examples!


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Billie is a pronunciation coach and English teacher based in Barcelona, Spain. She holds an MA in Communication Research & Phonology, a PGCE in Primary Education, and a Trinity College Certificate & Diploma TESOL.

With over 15 years of teaching experience, she specializes in enhancing her learner’s English pronunciation and communication skills.

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