Prof Francisco Zabala - 2016 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)