Syllables and Word Stress - English Pronunciation Lesson

In this lesson, you can learn about syllables and stress in English.
Do you know what stress means? It’s one of the most important pronunciation points in English.
When you speak English, do other people find it difficult to understand what you’re saying? If so, you might not be using stress correctly.
Pronouncing words with the correct stress can make a big difference to your English: your English will immediately sound clearer and more natural.

NOTE: there is an error at 1:41 – the stress marker in the IPA transcription of 'banana' should be on the 2nd syllable, rather than the 1st: /bə'nɑːnə/.

Contents:
1. How to Count Syllables 0:40
2. How to Pronounce Stress 2:43
3. Stress in Two-Syllable Words 5:16
4. Stress in Longer Words 7:33
5. Contrasts and Vowel Reductions 11:16

In this lesson you'll learn:

- What syllables are, and how to count the syllables of a word
- Introduction to word stress
- How to pronounce word stress in English
- How to hear the word stress when listening in English
- Rules for finding the stress of a word in English

[midas]

When I was young, why did my english teacher never teach me the most important part of english level like this? He left me confused. Sometimes I learn so much when native english speakers are talking with me, I pinpoint a lot the dos and the don'ts, and I'm like, wow, why their intonation in their pronunciation doesn't sound monotone and flat like mine does? They seem to sing it, and I like it. And right now, I get your video. Thank's, anyway. Never run out of ideas to help us improve our english skill ! Your video is so helpful to many million people who are not native, I'm one.

[colunizator]

My advice is to not learn rules and exceptions, it's confusing.
Treat every word on its own. Practice listening, speaking, reading aloud. In time you'll learn them bit by bit and pronounce instinctively.
Don't stress about making mistakes, it's normal, as speaking in a foreign language is like growing a child in your head, with it's own voice and way of thinking. It took you years to speak your native language, it will take years to learn a new one.
You are amazing

[kamolhengkiatisak]

This lesson was taught to me in high school by a volunteer English teacher from British Council 50 years ago. I could still remember him very well. A tall guy who spoke very clearly and slowly so that non-native speakers like us could understand.

[ishrathbegum]

Thumbs up for both the young teachers, kudos and love!! From India. Very informative!

[Jagjeetsingh-edsc]

Oxford online English is one of the most important thing to learn English ... I love to listen them and learn new things everyday ...

[ms_eberechukwu]

The more I try understand this, the harder it gets
But I'm getting better❤

[_syed.exe_]

I am practicing for my IELTS test thanks for this video it would be very helpful for me
Please pray for me
And Love from INDIA 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[raphizz]

Don't worry : *I know a lot about STRESS*

[wenyuan]

Oxford Online English definitely is my favourite tool to learn English, great help!

[youcanifyoutry]

Thank you Oxford Online English .It helped me a lot in my English class.

[anuanusha]

This video not only helped in my exams but also improving my speaking skills... Thanks for this wonderful video😁

[kennethdabrera]

Stress sounds are confusing, even though there are certain rules - therefore the best way to learn stress sounds is by listening and imitating
Thanks, your instructions are very helpful

[abhijit]

Very useful information. Refreshed the things.. Long ago my grandmother used to teach me similar way. Many thanks for refreshing the things that will help me to guide my daughter.

[Shams_Hussam]

Thank you so much. I am from Iraq and I need to learn English from you❤️💐

[magloirentaba]

I've been looking for a broad overview of "syllables and word stress". This lesson is very helpful.

Thanks so much!

[kobirkothamalabyalihossain]

Your swell lecture about stressed, unstressed syllables and pronunciation I heard spellbound, is undoubtedly deserved to be considered as one of extreme messages to the whole universe.. ❤

[shyambaranwal]

I would say a brilliant presentation on sentence and word stress. Thanks guys.. your words were like music to ears 👌👌🙏

[galladiel]

One of the most informative videos about word stress! Great job! I like difference in accents too.

[trangcaothu]

when i was at high school, i had difficult in doing stress-related English assignment. my life would have been easier if I had learnt this video

[saidfarid]

Hello professor
Thank you so much for your priceless advice and interesting guidance