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English Intonation: The Noun And Verb
By Frank Gerace, Ph.D,
New York, U.S.A.
fg at leerespoder.com
http://www.GoodAccent.com
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Listen and Learn: The Different Intonation of
the Noun and the Verb
Intonation, the "music" of a language, is perhaps
the most important element of a correct accent. Many
people think that pronunciation is what makes
up an accent. It may be that pronunciation is very
important for an understandable accent. But
it is intonation that gives the final touch that makes
an accent correct or native. Often we hear
someone speaking with perfect grammar, and perfect
formation of the sounds of English but with a little
something that gives her away as not being a native
speaker.
Therefore, it is necessary to realize that there are
three components to an accent, pronunciation,
intonation, and linking. In other places we will examine
pronunciation, the proper formation of vowels and
consonants, and linking, the way that syllables within
a word, and the beginning and ending of words come
together.
But what interests us now is the issue of intonation,
and in particular the difference in intonation in
saying the same word (same spelling) when it is used
as a noun and when it is used as a verb. It is a perfect
example of how meaning affects intonation.
We will try to hear clearly the difference that intonation
makes in the daily use of a proper North American
English accent. The practice with the following examples
will help you to notice, practice, and master the
different intonation patterns that you will discover
as you concentrate more on your use of North American
English.
Intonation: Noun or Verb
Knowing when and where to stress the words you use
is very important for understanding, and is part of
a good accent. A clear example is that of the different
stress in nouns and verbs.
It will be useful for you to be aware of the stress
in both cases. Here is a list of a few that will get
you thinking and give you some practice in identifying
them and using them correctly. Underline the syllable
that is stressed, and write a brief explanation to
indicate that you understand the difference. I start
the exercise with two examples, the words "suspect"
and "present". You do the rest. And make sure you
pronounce the words OUT LOUD.
Usually (although there are some exceptions), the
stress of a verb is on the last syllable, and
that of a noun is on the first syllable.
It will be useful for you to be aware of the stress
in both cases. Here is a list of a few that will get
you thinking and give you some practice in identifying
them and using them correctly. I start the exercise
with two examples. I have indicated the stress with
CAPITAL LETTERS. You underline the syllable that is
stressed, and write a brief explanation to indicate
that you understand the difference. You do the rest
of the table. And make sure you pronounce the words
OUT LOUD.
to susPECT: meaning, to have an opinion
a SUSpect: meaning, a person under suspicion
to preSENT: meaning, to give, to introduce
a PREsent: meaning, a gift, now
Now, you do the rest of the table, underlining
the accented syllable and defining the word to emphasize
your understanding that the accent goes with the meaning.
to conflict, a conflict
to contest, a contest
to contract, a contract
to convert, a convert
to convict, a convict
to incline, an incline
to insult, an insult
to object, an object
to permit, a permit
to present, a present
to produce, a produce
to project, a project
to protest, a protest
to rebel, a rebel
to recall, a recall
to reject, a reject
to research, a research
Practice on the following sentences that contain
some of the words of the list used both as noun and
as verb. Underline the accent and read the sentences
out loud
You need to insert a paragraph here on this newspaper
insert.
How can you object to this object?
I'd like to present you with this present.
The manufacturer couldn't recall if there'd been a
recall.
The religious convert wanted to convert the world.
The political rebels wanted to rebel against the world.
The mogul wanted to record a new record for his latest
artist.
If you perfect your intonation, your accent will be
perfect.
Due to the drought, the fields didn't produce much
produce this year.
Unfortunately, City Hall wouldn't permit them to get
a permit.
About
the Author: Frank Gerace Ph.D has worked in Latin
America on UN and national Educational and Communication
Projects, and has taught in Bolivian and Peruvian
Universities. He currently teaches English in New
York City at La Guardia College/CUNY. He provides
resources on accent reduction and the proper American
English accent at http://www.GoodAccent.com
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