Accented Syllables

They can change as the word changes, however, i cannot think of an example in which the use of a word in context changes how the syllables are accented in pronunciation. There are some significant differences between the English and American languages in terms of how words are pronounced, specifically as to which syllables are accented in speech. There are even such variations within American usage--people in the northeastern United states say insurance, whereas Southerners say insurance.

In general, this is something one learns by listening to native speakers. As soon, however, as you adopt a particular set of pronunciations, you brand yourself as the possessor of a regional accent.

Thank you Setanta.

*Sigh* I just want to learn how to write a Sonnet. I guess I will have to pay attentioin to my voice and figure it out.

AE

Ah, well, now you have brewed up a different kettle of fish . . . in poetry, syllables which are silent or unaccented can be accented for purposes of meter. But that sort of thing is not done much any more. For example, in Paradise Lost, Milton would used the word "winged" (meaning possessed of wings), and in normal speech, we would pronounce it as though it were a single syllable--wingd. But Milton would intend it to be pronounced "wing-ed," with the second syllable given the full value of a separate syllable to provide the meter he wished to use.

I haven't made things any easier for you, have i?

Yes Setanta I understand,

I did not know that, thats wonderful. After the explanation (which I suspected) in your first post, the second post is the only way to go. Unless you have any other suggestions?

Thanks,

AE

Good Luck, Boss . . . i rather suspect that talent easily overcomes such minor obstacles . . .