Presentation Presentation on on

Weak Syllables Weak Syllables

andand

Strong SyllablesStrong Syllables

Presented to:Presented to:

Sir Sohail Falak SheirSir Sohail Falak Sheir

Presented by: Presented by:

Muhammad AsifMuhammad Asif

ContentsContents

SyllableSyllable Types of SyllableTypes of Syllable Weak and Strong SyllableWeak and Strong Syllable Types of Weak SyllableTypes of Weak Syllable Relationship of Syllables with other Suprasegmental Relationship of Syllables with other Suprasegmental

featuresfeatures Weak Forms and Strong FormsWeak Forms and Strong Forms Weak Forms in EnglishWeak Forms in English Teaching of Weak FormsTeaching of Weak Forms

SyllableSyllable

A syllable is a A syllable is a rhythmic rhythmic unit of speech. unit of speech. Syllables exist to make the speech stream Syllables exist to make the speech stream easier for the human mind to process. A easier for the human mind to process. A syllable comprises one or more segments; syllable comprises one or more segments; segments are the segments are the building blocksbuilding blocks for syllables. for syllables.

SyllableSyllable A syllable is a unit of organization for a A syllable is a unit of organization for a

sequence of sequence of speechspeech sounds. For example, the sounds. For example, the word word waterwater is composed of two syllables: is composed of two syllables: wawa and and terter. A syllable is typically made up of a . A syllable is typically made up of a syllable nucleussyllable nucleus (most often a (most often a vowelvowel) with ) with optional initial and final margins optional initial and final margins

Syllable StructureSyllable Structure

The general structure of a syllable consists of The general structure of a syllable consists of the following segments:the following segments:

OnsetOnset (obligatory in some languages, optional (obligatory in some languages, optional or even restricted in others) or even restricted in others)

RimeRime NucleusNucleus (obligatory in all languages) (obligatory in all languages)

Coda (optional in some languages, highly Coda (optional in some languages, highly restricted or prohibited in others) restricted or prohibited in others)

Types of Words Types of Words according to syllablesaccording to syllables

A word that consists of a single syllable (like English A word that consists of a single syllable (like English batbat) is ) is called a called a monosyllable monosyllable (such a word is monosyllabic), while a (such a word is monosyllabic), while a word consisting of two syllables (like word consisting of two syllables (like fatherfather) is called a ) is called a disyllable disyllable (such a word is disyllabic). A word consisting of (such a word is disyllabic). A word consisting of three syllables (such as three syllables (such as indigentindigent) is called a ) is called a trisyllable trisyllable (the (the adjective form is trisyllabic). A word consisting of more than adjective form is trisyllabic). A word consisting of more than three syllables (such as three syllables (such as intelligenceintelligence) is called a ) is called a polysyllablepolysyllable (and could be described as polysyllabic), although this term is (and could be described as polysyllabic), although this term is often used to describe words of two syllables or more.often used to describe words of two syllables or more.

Domain of Suprasegmental featuresDomain of Suprasegmental features

The domain of suprasegmental features is the The domain of suprasegmental features is the syllable and not a specific sound, that is to say, syllable and not a specific sound, that is to say, the study of syllable is closely related the study of syllable is closely related following aspects :following aspects :

Stress Stress Tone Tone

Weak and Strong SyllablesWeak and Strong Syllables

one of the most noticeable features of English one of the most noticeable features of English is that many syllables are weak; this is true of is that many syllables are weak; this is true of many other languages, but it is necessary to many other languages, but it is necessary to study how these weak syllables are study how these weak syllables are pronounced and where they occur in English pronounced and where they occur in English

Description Description of weak and strong syllablesof weak and strong syllables

We could describe them partly in terms of We could describe them partly in terms of stress (by saying, for example, that strong stress (by saying, for example, that strong syllables are stressed and weak syllables syllables are stressed and weak syllables unstressed.)unstressed.)

Weak Syllables Will have…..Weak Syllables Will have…..

four types of center:four types of center: i) the vowel (" schwa") i) the vowel (" schwa") əə ii) a close front unrounded vowel in the ii) a close front unrounded vowel in the

general area of i: and Igeneral area of i: and I iii) a close back rounded vowel in the general iii) a close back rounded vowel in the general

area of u: and area of u: and ʊʊ iv) a syllabic consonant iv) a syllabic consonant

The vowel ( " schwa" ) The vowel ( " schwa" ) əə i)Spelt with " a '; strong pronuciation would be i)Spelt with " a '; strong pronuciation would be ææ attend /attend / ətend ətend / character /k/ character /kæærrəktəəktə// barracks / bbarracks / bærəks ærəks / / ii) Spelt with " ar" ;strong pronuciation would have ɑ: ii) Spelt with " ar" ;strong pronuciation would have ɑ: particular / pparticular / pəəttIIkjkjəəlləə/ molar /m/ molar /məʊlə(rəʊlə(r)/)/ monarchy/mmonarchy/mɒɒnnəəki/ki/ iii) Adjectival endings spelt " ate" ; strong pronunciation would be eiii) Adjectival endings spelt " ate" ; strong pronunciation would be e I I intimate / intimate / IIntntIImmət ət / accurate// accurate/æækjkjərət ərət // desolate/desdesolate/desələtələt/ / There are exceptions to this for example " private is usually /praIvIt /There are exceptions to this for example " private is usually /praIvIt / iv) Spelt with " o " ; strong pronuciation would have iv) Spelt with " o " ; strong pronuciation would have ɒɒ tomorrow /ttomorrow /təmɒrəʊəmɒrəʊ / potato / p / potato / pəteəteIItəʊ təʊ // carrot / kcarrot / kæærrətət / / v) Spelt with " or " ; strong pronunciation would have ɔ: v) Spelt with " or " ; strong pronunciation would have ɔ: forget / f forget / f əgetəget / ambassador / / ambassador / ææmbmbææssəəddəə / / opportunity /opportunity /ɒɒppətju:nətju:nII t tII//

Other examplesOther examples vi) Spelt with “ e “ ; strong pronunciation would have evi) Spelt with “ e “ ; strong pronunciation would have e settlement /setlmsettlement /setlməntənt/ violet /va/ violet /vaIIllət ət // postman /ppostman /pəəʊʊstmən stmən // vii) Spelt with “ er “; strong pronunciation would have ɜ: vii) Spelt with “ er “; strong pronunciation would have ɜ: perhaps / pperhaps / pəhæpsəhæps / superman /su:p / superman /su:pəəmmæn æn // Viii)Spelt with “ ough” ( there are other pronunciation of the Viii)Spelt with “ ough” ( there are other pronunciation of the

letter sequence letter sequence “ “ ough” ) ough” ) Borough / bBorough / bʌʌrrəə/ thorough / θ/ thorough / θʌʌrrəə / / ix)Spelt with “ u “ ; strong form would have ʌ ix)Spelt with “ u “ ; strong form would have ʌ Autumn / Autumn / ɔ:ɔ:ttəməm/ support / s/ support / səpəpɔ:ɔ:tt / halibut / h / halibut / hæællIIbbətət/ / x)Spelt with “ ous” x)Spelt with “ ous” Gracious /greGracious /greIIʃʃəs əs / callous / k/ callous / kæælləsəs//

Close front Close front and and

Close back vowels Close back vowels Two other vowels are commonly found in Two other vowels are commonly found in

weak syllables, one close front i ( in the weak syllables, one close front i ( in the general area of i: and i) and the other close general area of i: and i) and the other close back rounded u( in the general region of u: and back rounded u( in the general region of u: and ʊ ) . In strong syllables it is easy to ʊ ) . In strong syllables it is easy to distinguish i: from i ,u: from ʊ , but in distinguish i: from i ,u: from ʊ , but in weak syllables the difference is not so clear .weak syllables the difference is not so clear .

ExamplesExamples

Possible pronuciationPossible pronuciation

Easy busyEasy busy

i) i:zi: bi) i:zi: bIIzi:zi:

ii) i:zii) i:zI I b bIIzzII

Using Weak Syllable Using Weak Syllable

i:zi bi:zi bIIzizi

More ExamplesMore Examples i) In word-final position in words spelt with final “ y” or “ ey” ( after one i) In word-final position in words spelt with final “ y” or “ ey” ( after one

or more consonant letter e.g. “ happy / hæpi / valley /væli /or more consonant letter e.g. “ happy / hæpi / valley /væli / and in morpheme final position when such words have suffixes beginning and in morpheme final position when such words have suffixes beginning

with vowelss,e.g. “ happier / hæpiə / easiest /i:ziəst /with vowelss,e.g. “ happier / hæpiə / easiest /i:ziəst / “ “ hurrying” / hhurrying” / hʌʌririIIŋŋ// ii) In prefix such as those spelt “ re” , “ pre” , “ de” if is precedes a vowel ii) In prefix such as those spelt “ re” , “ pre” , “ de” if is precedes a vowel

and is unstressed,for example in react / riækt / preocupied /priɒkjəpaId/ and is unstressed,for example in react / riækt / preocupied /priɒkjəpaId/

deactivate /diæktIveIt /deactivate /diæktIveIt / iii) In suffixes spelt “ iate”, “ious” when they have two syllables, for iii) In suffixes spelt “ iate”, “ious” when they have two syllables, for

example example in “ appreciate”, “hilarious” in “ appreciate”, “hilarious” iv) In the following words when unstressed: “ he”, “ she” , “ we” “ me” , “ iv) In the following words when unstressed: “ he”, “ she” , “ we” “ me” , “

be” and the word “ the” when it precedes a vowel.be” and the word “ the” when it precedes a vowel.

Examples of Close front rounded vowelExamples of Close front rounded vowel

In most other cases of weak syllables containing a close front unrounded vowel we In most other cases of weak syllables containing a close front unrounded vowel we can assign the vowel to the phoneme, as in the first syllable of “ resist”/rcan assign the vowel to the phoneme, as in the first syllable of “ resist”/r IIzzIIst/ “ st/ “

Inane Inane / / IIneneIIn /n / “ enough” / “ enough” /IInnʌʌf/ and the middle syllable of “ incident” and the final f/ and the middle syllable of “ incident” and the final syllable of “ swimming” / swsyllable of “ swimming” / swIImmIIŋŋ/ liquid / l/ liquid / lIIkwkwIId / Optic / ɒptd / Optic / ɒptIIk /.It can be k /.It can be seen that this vowel is most often represented in spelling by the letters “ i’’ and “ e” seen that this vowel is most often represented in spelling by the letters “ i’’ and “ e”

Weak syllbles with close back rounded vowel are not so common.Their most Weak syllbles with close back rounded vowel are not so common.Their most frequent occurrence is in the words “ you” , “ into”, “ to”, “ do”,when they are frequent occurrence is in the words “ you” , “ into”, “ to”, “ do”,when they are unstressed and are not immediately preceding a consonant, and “ through” and “ unstressed and are not immediately preceding a consonant, and “ through” and “ who” in all positions whey they are unstressed.We also find weak syllable where who” in all positions whey they are unstressed.We also find weak syllable where the vowel tends to sound more like the ʊ vowel of the book;usually this is found the vowel tends to sound more like the ʊ vowel of the book;usually this is found with a preceding j glide, as in evacuationwith a preceding j glide, as in evacuation

/ Ivækjue/ IvækjueIIʃnʃn /.An example of such a vowel without a preceding j is Influenza /.An example of such a vowel without a preceding j is Influenza / Infll/ Infllʊʊenza /enza /

Syllabic ConsonantsSyllabic Consonants

Syllabic ‘Syllabic ‘ll’ with alveolar consonant ’ with alveolar consonant precedingpreceding

cattle / kætcattle / kætl l / bottle / bɒt/ bottle / bɒtl l / / muddle /mmuddle /mʌʌddll//

With non-alveolar consonant precedingWith non-alveolar consonant preceding

Couple /k Couple /k ʌʌ p pll/ trouble/ tr/ trouble/ trʌʌbbll / /

Knuckle /n Knuckle /n ʌʌ k kll/ /

Such words usually lose their final letter “ e” Such words usually lose their final letter “ e” when a suffix is beginning with a vowel is when a suffix is beginning with a vowel is attached, but the attached, but the l l usually remains usually remains syllabic.Thus:syllabic.Thus:

Bottle-bottling /bɒtBottle-bottling /bɒtllIIŋŋ// Mudlle-muddling / mMudlle-muddling / mʌʌddllIIŋ/ŋ/

‘‘panel’ /ppanel’ /pæænnll/ papal / peIp/ papal / peIpll / / Petal / petPetal / petll / parcel / p / parcel / pɑ:ɑ:ssll / / Kernel / k Kernel / k ɜ:ɜ:nnll/ Babel / beIb/ Babel / beIbll / / Pedal / pedPedal / pedl l / ducal /dju:k/ ducal /dju:kl l //

Rhythm and meter in EnglishRhythm and meter in English

English poetry employs five basic rhythms of varying English poetry employs five basic rhythms of varying stressed (/) and unstressed (x) syllables. The meters stressed (/) and unstressed (x) syllables. The meters are iambs, trochees, spondees, anapests and dactyls. are iambs, trochees, spondees, anapests and dactyls. In this document the stressed syllables are marked in In this document the stressed syllables are marked in boldface type rather than the tradition al "/" and "x." boldface type rather than the tradition al "/" and "x." Each unit of rhythm is called a "foot" of poetry. Each unit of rhythm is called a "foot" of poetry.

IAMBIC (x /) : That IAMBIC (x /) : That timetime of of yearyear thou thou mayst mayst in in meme be beholdhold TROCHAIC (/ x): TROCHAIC (/ x): TellTell me me not not in in mournmournful ful numnumbersbers SPONDAIC (/ /): SPONDAIC (/ /): BreakBreak, , breakbreak, , breakbreak/ On thy / On thy coldcold graygray

stonesstones, O , O SeaSea! ! Meters with three-syllable feet are Meters with three-syllable feet are ANAPESTIC (x x /): And theANAPESTIC (x x /): And the sound sound of a of a voicevoice that is that is stillstill DACTYLIC (/ x x): DACTYLIC (/ x x): ThisThis is the is the forforest priest primemeval, the val, the

murmurmuring muring pinespines and the and the hemhemlock (a trochee replaces the lock (a trochee replaces the final dactyl) final dactyl)

Strong and Weak FormsStrong and Weak Forms

Strong forms are often found:Strong forms are often found:

1)1)When they occur at the end of a wordWhen they occur at the end of a word

2) 2) When a word is contrasted with another When a word is contrasted with another word word

3)3)When a word is stressed for emphasisWhen a word is stressed for emphasis

4)4)When a word is being quoted.When a word is being quoted.

Weak FormsWeak Forms

English is a stress-timed language, which means that English is a stress-timed language, which means that stressed syllables are equal in timing. In order to fit stressed syllables are equal in timing. In order to fit our words into this pattern, we tend to "squash" or our words into this pattern, we tend to "squash" or compress other syllables or words occurring between compress other syllables or words occurring between stresses, in order to keep up with the more or less stresses, in order to keep up with the more or less regular rhythm (Mayers 1981:422). Therefore, regular rhythm (Mayers 1981:422). Therefore, compressing or "weakening" some sounds is compressing or "weakening" some sounds is necessary to keep the rhythm of English.necessary to keep the rhythm of English.

A weak form is the pronunciation of a word or syllable in A weak form is the pronunciation of a word or syllable in an unstressed manner. Of course, the difference between an unstressed manner. Of course, the difference between the strong form (stressed) and the weak form (unstressed) the strong form (stressed) and the weak form (unstressed) of a word is not apparent in writing, but in speech these of a word is not apparent in writing, but in speech these two variations in pronunciation can be drastically two variations in pronunciation can be drastically different. If spoken in isolation, the weak form of a word different. If spoken in isolation, the weak form of a word would probably be unintelligible. The difference between would probably be unintelligible. The difference between the two forms can affect meaning. Here is an example to the two forms can affect meaning. Here is an example to show how strong and weak forms of a single word (show how strong and weak forms of a single word (thatthat) ) can change the entire meaning of a sentence:can change the entire meaning of a sentence: John thinks that man is evil. John thinks that man is evil. /ð ə t//ð ə t/This version of the sentence, with the weak (unstressed) This version of the sentence, with the weak (unstressed) form of form of thatthat, means "John thinks all humans are evil." , means "John thinks all humans are evil."

Weak forms are usually distinguished by a Weak forms are usually distinguished by a change in vowel quality from a border position change in vowel quality from a border position on the vowel quadrilateral to a central position. on the vowel quadrilateral to a central position. The vowel in a weak form is usually the schwa The vowel in a weak form is usually the schwa ((əə). Weak forms are pronounced more quickly ). Weak forms are pronounced more quickly and at lower volume in comparison to the and at lower volume in comparison to the stressed syllables. They are also not central to stressed syllables. They are also not central to changes in intonation. changes in intonation.

  Strongform

Weak form Example

Prepositions      

to tu: tə   I went to the market.

For fɔ:(r) fə(r)   Wait for me!

From frɒm frəm   She's from York.

Into ɪntu: ɪntə   Put it into the box.

Of ɒv ə(v)   A bottle of wine.

As æz əz   ..as good as gold...

at æt ət   He's not at home.

Auxiliary verbs   Strong Form Weak Form  

Example

Do du: də Where do you live?

Are ɑ: ə(r)* John and Mary are here.

was wɒz wəz I was quite interested.

Were wɜ: wə(r) They were bored.

Would wʊd wəd She said she would be here.

Could kʊd kəd What could I do?

Should ʃʊd ʃəd They should be here by now.

Can kæn kən What can you do with it?

Must mʌst məs(t) You must be a bit more patient.

Others  

 

  Strong Form  

Weak Form  

Example

And ænd ənd, ən, nV Rock 'n' roll.

but bʌt bət ...but one of the main points...

Than ð ænð æn ððən It's faster than mine.

that (as a relative) ð ætð æt ð ð ətt The dog that bit me ...

you (as object pronoun) ju: jə Where do you live?

your jɔ: jə (r) Where's your jumper?

her (as object pronoun) hɜ:(r) (h)ə(r)* I'll give her a ring later.

A eɪ ə Take a good book.

an æn ən He's an idiot!

The ði: ðə, ði (before a vowel) What's the time?

     

   

 

Importance of teaching weak formsImportance of teaching weak forms

There are two good reasons why weak forms ought to be There are two good reasons why weak forms ought to be taught. First, teaching weak forms can help students improve taught. First, teaching weak forms can help students improve their production of spoken English. Because of the influence their production of spoken English. Because of the influence of their first language, foreign students tend to pronounce of their first language, foreign students tend to pronounce every word very clearly. As a result, their speech always every word very clearly. As a result, their speech always sounds foreign, sometimes unintelligible, because enunciating sounds foreign, sometimes unintelligible, because enunciating each word in a sentence can disrupt the natural rhythm of each word in a sentence can disrupt the natural rhythm of spoken English. Second, not knowing the weak form may spoken English. Second, not knowing the weak form may inhibit students' comprehension of the English spoken by inhibit students' comprehension of the English spoken by fluent speakers. Therefore, acquiring weak forms is important fluent speakers. Therefore, acquiring weak forms is important not only for students' production of spoken English but also not only for students' production of spoken English but also for their listening comprehension.for their listening comprehension.

QuestionsQuestions What is a Syllable?What is a Syllable? A syllable is a unit of organization for a sequence of speech sounds. For example, A syllable is a unit of organization for a sequence of speech sounds. For example,

the word the word waterwater is composed of two syllables: is composed of two syllables: wawa and and terter. A syllable is typically . A syllable is typically made up of a syllable nucleus (most often a vowel) with optional initial and final made up of a syllable nucleus (most often a vowel) with optional initial and final marginsmargins

What is a Weak Syllable? What is a Weak Syllable?

Weak Syllable will have four types of centre:Weak Syllable will have four types of centre:

i) the vowel (" schwa") i) the vowel (" schwa") əə ii) a close front unrounded vowel in the general area of i: and Iii) a close front unrounded vowel in the general area of i: and I iii) a close back rounded vowel in the general area of u: and iii) a close back rounded vowel in the general area of u: and ʊʊ iv) a syllabic consonant iv) a syllabic consonant

QuestionQuestion

A weak Syllable will have as its centre:A weak Syllable will have as its centre:

1) ə 2) ɪ

3) u: 4) ɒ

Answer: ə

QuestionQuestion

There are ………………… Weak forms in There are ………………… Weak forms in English.English.

1)1) 30 approx.30 approx.2)2) 50 approx. 50 approx. 3)3) 10 approx.10 approx.4)4) 40 approx.40 approx.Answer:Answer: 40 40 approx.approx.

QuestionQuestion

The strong Form of certain words is used:The strong Form of certain words is used:

1)1) In initial positionIn initial position

2)2) Middle positionMiddle position

3)3) Final positionFinal position

4)4) None of the aboveNone of the above

Answer:Answer:

Final positionFinal position

QuestionQuestion

Words which have both strong and weak Words which have both strong and weak forms mostly belong to the category that is forms mostly belong to the category that is called………….called………….

Lexical wordsLexical words General wordsGeneral words Stressed wordsStressed words Functional wordsFunctional words Answer:Answer: Functional wordsFunctional words

ReferencesReferences

Roach,Peter.(2004) Roach,Peter.(2004) English Phonetics and Phonology, English Phonetics and Phonology, Cambridge Cambridge University Press.University Press.

Kenworthy,Joanne. (1994) Kenworthy,Joanne. (1994) Teaching English PronunciationTeaching English Pronunciation , Longman. , Longman. Trim,J. (1984) Trim,J. (1984) English Pronunciation IllustratedEnglish Pronunciation Illustrated ,Cambridge University ,Cambridge University

Press.Press. Fangzhi, Cheng. 1998. The teaching of pronunciation to Chinese students Fangzhi, Cheng. 1998. The teaching of pronunciation to Chinese students

of English. of English. English Teaching Forum, 36English Teaching Forum, 36, 1, pp. 37-39., 1, pp. 37-39. Kelly, G. 2000. Kelly, G. 2000. How to teach pronunciationHow to teach pronunciation. London: Longman/Pearson . London: Longman/Pearson

Education Limited.Education Limited. Mayers, R. P. 1981. A new approach to the teaching of weak form. Mayers, R. P. 1981. A new approach to the teaching of weak form. ELT ELT

Journal, 35Journal, 35, 1, pp. 421-426., 1, pp. 421-426. Seymour, G. 1969. Seymour, G. 1969. Practical English phoneticsPractical English phonetics. London: Leonard Hill.. London: Leonard Hill. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Syllable_structure.pnghttp://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Syllable_structure.pnghttp://

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Syllable_structure.pngen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Syllable_structure.png