IPA: Other Symbols

Stress Markers

  • Primary stress: ˈ (raised vertical line) marks the stressed syllable. For example, the verb “present” is transcribed as /prɪˈzɛnt/, while the noun “present” as /ˈprɛzənt/.
  • Secondary stress: ˌ (lowered vertical line). You can use this symbol in words that have a secondary stressed syllable (e.g., “dictionary” is /ˈdɪkʃəˌnɛri/).

syllable Division marker

In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the dot (.) marks syllable boundaries.

For example: The word “syllable” is transcribed as /ˈsɪl.ə.bəl/, where the dots separate each syllable.

This notation is useful for the backward buildup technique (recommended by Dr. Pimsleur in How to Learn a Foreign Language), where you repeat syllables in reverse order to improve fluency and accuracy. This method helps train your mouth to articulate all syllables clearly, especially the often-muffled endings in fast speech.

Here’s how it works with /ˈsɪl.ə.bəl/:

  • Start with the last syllable: /bəl/ → Repeat 3x: “bəl bəl bəl”
  • Add the middle syllable: /ə.bəl/ → Repeat 3x: “ə.bəl ə.bəl ə.bəl”
  • Finally, say the full word: /ˈsɪl.ə.bəl/ → Repeat 3x: “ˈsɪl.ə.bəl ˈsɪl.ə.bəl ˈsɪl.ə.bəl”

For extra practice, you can also build the word forward:

  • /sɪl/ → “sɪl sɪl sɪl”
  • /sɪl.ə/ → “sɪl.ə sɪl.ə sɪl.ə”
  • /ˈsɪl.ə.bəl/ → “ˈsɪl.ə.bəl ˈsɪl.ə.bəl ˈsɪl.ə.bəl”

Length

  • Lengthened sound: ː (e.g., “beat” /biːt/)

Linking

  • Linking mark for connected speech: ‿ (e.g., “far away” /fɑɹ‿əˈweɪ/).

Prosodic Unit

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosodic_unit

  • | or ‖: Minor and major intonation breaks, respectively.

Intonation

Rising intonation (↗):

  • Used for yes/no questions (“Are you coming?” /ə↗ˈjʊ ˈkʌmɪŋ/).
  • Indicates uncertainty or politeness.

Falling intonation (↓):

  • Marks statements (“I’m ready.” /aɪm ˈɹɛdi↓/).
  • Signals finality or certainty.


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