Practice English speaking focusing on syllable stress. All of these 3-syllable words have stress on the first syllable.
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Video Transcript:
In this American English pronunciation video, you’re going to get even better at speaking with rhythmic contrast. We’re going to practice three-syllable words with first syllable stress.
We’re going to get to that lesson in just a minute. But first, I wanna make sure you know, that the Rachel’s English Academy Online School, opens October 25. There will be discount pricing, just $10 a month, so click the link here or in the description below, to be put on a VIP list, to make sure you know exactly when to buy to get the discounted pricing and some killer bonuses.
This school will cover everything you need to know, from listening comprehension, to conversation studies. Yes, there will be lots of Ben Franklin exercises too. Everything that Rachel’s English does best. Can’t wait to see you in the academy. Get on that VIP list today!
First, if you are just going to watch this video, don’t. That would be very boring. This video only works if you’re willing to practice your English out loud. So, if you’re somewhere where you can’t do that, make sure to come back to this video later.
When learning English as a second language, most people don’t make unstressed syllables as fast, low in pitch, or quiet, as they should. The tendency is to over-pronounce them, but that’s not good English.
In English, we have clearer, stressed syllables: DA, and less clear unstressed syllables: da. In this video, we’re just going to do 3-syllable words, with first syllable stress, like this: DA-da-da. That’s all you’re going to hear. You’re going to get into a groove with the rhythm. After each repetition of the word, repeat it just like you hear it. Don’t over-pronounce the unstressed syllables. It’s going to move quickly. See if you can keep up.
Fortunate. DA-da-da. Fortunate.
General. DA-da-da. General.
Video. DA-da-da. Video.
Popular. DA-da-da. Popular.
Rational. DA-da-da. Rational.
Stunningly. DA-da-da. Stunningly.
Beautiful. DA-da-da. Beautiful.
Character. DA-da-da. Character.
Physical. DA-da-da. Physical.
Hamburger. DA-da-da. Hamburger.
Mystery. DA-da-da. Mystery.
Government. DA-da-da. Government.
Amateur. DA-da-da. Amateur.
Seasonal. DA-da-da. Seasonal.
Differently. DA-da-da. Differently.
Now, we’re going to go back to the beginning and just do the words one time each. Repeat each word and don’t worry too much about the sounds. This is a drill exercise in rhythm.
Fortunate
General
Video
Popular
Rational
Stunningly
Beautiful
Character
Physical
Hamburger
Mystery
Government
Amateur
Seasonal
Differently
Now we’re going to go back to the beginning and just do the words one time each with a short sentence. Repeat the word and the sentence keeping the right rhythm when it’s in a sentence.
General – I agree with you in general.
Video – I posted a video today.
Popular – It was pretty popular.
Rational – That’s just not rational.
Stunningly – You’re stunningly beautiful.
Beautiful – You’re stunningly beautiful.
Character – The character of English.
Physical – The fight got physical.
Hamburger – That’s a great hamburger.
Mystery – It’s a mystery to me.
Government – He’s studying government.
Amateur – It was an amateur job.
Seasonal – The menu is seasonal.
Differently – I feel differently now.
What other three-syllable words with first syllable stress can you think of? Put them in the comments below to give everyone more words to practice with.
Stress is something I stress in my book American English Pronunciation. If you want an organized, step-by-step resource to build your American accent, click here to buy the book. I think you’re going to love it.
That’s it, and thanks so much for using Rachel’s English.
Video:
Hear the difference immediately.
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