015 spanish and english rhythm

Prof. Francisco Zabala - 2016

1

Spanish Vs. English Rhythm
For many years, phoneticians believed that some languages had a stress-timed rhythm while others had a syllable-timed
rhythm.. Although modern scientific research has debunked that view, it’s still an interesting pedagogical “image.” It is true,
however, that the existence of weak forms and weak syllables in English has an impact on the way we perceive the clipped
nature of English as opposed to the lengthening of syllables of River Plate Spanish.

•

hese two songs. How does the beat differ?
Let’s compare these

Grace Kelly
(Mika)

Entre el Mar y una
Estrella
(Thalía)

Do I attract you?
Do I repulse you with my queasy smile?
Am I too dirty?
Am I too flirty?
Do I like what you like?
I could be wholesome
I could be loathsome
I guess I'm a little bit shy
Why don't you like me?

Why don't you like me
without making me try?
I try to be like Grace Kelly
But all her looks were too sad
So I try a little Freddie
Ive gone identity mad!

•

I could be brown
I could be blue
I could be violet sky
I could be hurtful
I could be purple
I could be anything you like
Gotta be green
Gotta be mean
Gotta be everything more
Why don't you like me?
Why don't you like me?
Why don't you walk out the door!

Aunque te hayas ido sigues conmigo
Siento el respiro de tu amor
Con un triste suspiro, llega la noche
Y me platica de los dos.
Eterno fue lo que hubo entre tu y yo
Que nunca un adiós se contempló
Entre el mar y una estrella
Seguirás estando al filo de mis venas

Te pondré algunas velas
Para preguntarle a Dios cuándo regresas.

Listen to this text. Pay attention to the role of the stressed syllables.

Looking for something pretty
SALESGIRL: Good morning, madam. Can I help you at all?
ANNABEL:
Well, I'm looking for a dress. Something to wear at
the theatre. Something pretty.
SALESGIRL: Certainly, madam. Do you know what size you
are?
ANNABEL:
Well, I was eighteen but I've lost a lot of weight
since Christmas. I've been on a diet of bananas and
milk.
SALESGIRL: Bananas and milk! That doesn't sound very
slimming. Would it be a good idea if I took your
measurements?
ANNABEL:
I feel about a size fourteen. And look! That's just
what I wanted. That pink and primrose chiffon!
SALESGIRL: I hate to tell you, madam, but you're still size
eighteen. Don't you think something a little more
tailored?
(Ponsonby, 1982:
1982 97)