Pronunciation:Sentence Stress

Md. Abdul Halim

What is sentence stress?

Try reading the following sentences like a robot:

1. Stay out of the cellar2. I heard you talking to the white man3. I never liked being in the forest4. What are you planning for this

weekend?5. I’ve nothing to do with that.

What is sentence stress? Word stress (syllable stress)- a ‘beat’ on

one or more syllable within a word. Sentence stress- the ‘beat’ on certain

words within a sentence. Also described as ‘rhythm’ of spoken

language.

Sentence stress

Why is it important in pronunciation?

I want to sound more natural in English when I

speak……

Why is it important in pronunciation?

Adds rhythm when you speak. Puts emphasis on a particular piece

of information. Can change the understanding for

the listener.

Sentence stress?

Imagine that you receive this telegram message:

SELL CAR GONE DHAKA

SELL my CAR I’ve GONE to DHAKA

Will you SELL my CAR because I’ve

GONE to DHAKA

I didn’t say he stole the money I didn’t say he stole the money I didn’t say he stole the money I didn’t say he stole the money I didn’t say he stole the money I didn’t say he stole the money I didn’t say he stole the money

Sentence stress and meaning

But what happens when people are angry?

………....when angry…..

WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?

Exercises

1. Stay out of the cellar2. I heard you talking to the white man3. I never liked being in the forest4. What are you planning for this

weekend? I’ve nothing to do with that.5. I’ve nothing to do with that.