Rhythm and the Characteristic Pronunciation of a Language

Abstract

The rhythm is certainly one of the most fundamental characteristics of the pronunciation of a language, and is often most difficult for a foreigner to acquire. The play of the word accents, the rhythmic grouping of the phrases, the differences in the length of the syllables are all difficult, and all important for a good “accent.” And it is not the case that one can first master the “elements” of the pronunciation, the “sounds” and then set them in the rhythm.It is easy to see that the rhythm has a vital influence on the details of pronunciation; the word accent often determines the function of the consonant as arresting or releasing and also determines the syllable in which the consonant shall function; the rhythm at high speed determines the slurring or the full pronunciation of syllables. In the end the rhythm guides the phonetice changes which every languageis undergoing.