The Stress of English Words 1968–1998

Abstract

The article begins with reflections on the theory of Chomsky and Halle 1968, which constituted a new departure in phonology. The indebtedness of the theory to Chomsky 1951 is noted, and certain inadequacies in the theory are discussed as well as the ways these were overcome in subsequent work, including Idsardi 1992. The revised theory is illustrated with an improved account of English word stress that includes a new treatment of the “Rhythm Rule,” in particular, of contrasts such as ánecdòte vs. eléctròde; vowel shortening in poststress position (e.g., sálivàte (cf. salíva), ínfamous (cf. faámous)); and “weak” syllable effects (Burzio 1994) (e.g., Loómbardy but Lombárdi).