从英语重音看汉腔英语

On Chinese-accented English through English Stress

英语节奏主要体现在重读音节和轻读音节的交替变化中,元音在重音的指派下具有明显的强/弱对立、长/短对立和清晰/模糊对立。汉腔英语是一种偏离英语节奏规范的变体,表现在随意添加重读,惯用强读式,回避连读,导致重读音节和轻读音节大量中和化,元音时长扭曲,节奏配置失调。因而对中国英语学习者来说,树立并强化英语节奏的重音意识,注重重读音节和轻读音节之间的区分度,无疑是克服汉腔英语、提高英语听说能力的有效途径。

English rhythm depends mainly on the alternation of stressed and unstressed syllables, in which vowels must be in the dynamic change of strong/weak, long/short and clear/unclear contrast in a sense. Chinese-accented English as a variety deviated from the norm of English rhythm is manifested in widespread neutralization of stressed syllables and unstressed ones by free addition of stresses, the use of strong forms of unstressed vowels and the neglect of the linking of sounds or words in connected speech, all of which may spoil the foot length and English rhythm. It is therefore an effective way for Chinese learners to improve Chinese-accented English and develop their listening and speaking ability if they do have stress consciousness and make a clear distinction between stressed syllables and unstressed ones.