The Word “Accent”

he word, “Accent” is used in a number of different ways in The English Language. You can read all about those different ways on The Wiktionary Page about it. But the only versions of this word that we are concerned with here — are those versions that directly relate to Language — and more specifically — to Pronunciation.

ou will obtain all that you need to know about this word (as it relates to Language & Pronunciation) from reading this article. However — it is often very interesting to see how the other meanings and usages of words are related — even if only Metaphorically. So I suggest reading the Wiktionary Page linked above. (It won’t hurt you, and it may actually “expand your mind”) 😉

The Meaning Of The Word “Accent”

he word “Accent” has different meanings, depending on what subject or “field of interest” it is being used in. But an interesting thing to note is — in all the different meanings of the word — is it clear that: (to) Accent (something) — [Verb Form] — means:

“To put some directed ‘focus’ or ‘attention’ onto a thing — as separate and distinct from other things.”

“To put some directed ‘focus’ or ‘attention’ on a single part of a thing — to make that part distinct from the rest.”

“When used properly — a little bit of make-up can accentuate a woman’s natural beauty.“

nd in the case that the word “Accent” is used as a Noun — then it is simply referring to whatever it is that is doing / causing / or, is a “result of” that focus.

n other words… It is “the thing that is doing the accenting” — and thus, “causing the directed focus of attention” — (whether intentionally or not).

“The dress had bright floral accents that made it perfect for a Spring-time gathering.“

The Usage Of The Word “Accent”

s for the Usage of the word “Accent” — we are only focused (in this article) with the two common ways that it is used in-relation-to Language & Pronunciation. The first referring to: A Regional or Cultural “Accent”.

Regional Or Cultural Accent

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“It is an interesting thing, that even when a person is speaking the same language — but using a different accent — that it is sometimes almost impossible to comprehend what they are saying.“

his usage of the word “Accent” is the most commonly-used, and most widely-known usage of the word. And it is also the most proper term when referring to language — specifically pronunciation.

If a person’s accent is difficult to comprehend — we say that they have: “A Thick Accent”

If a person’s accent is easy to comprehend (even though we can still hear a unique difference) — then we say that they have: “A Slight Accent” (we do not say that they have “A Thin Accent”).”

t is used to refer-to: the unique way that certain people pronounce the words of a language. It is also said that it is: the rhythm and melody of speech that is unique to certain cultures and the people of certain regions. Although I dis-agree, and think that this only serves to confuse the situation.

ccent, Rythm, and Melody — though being very closely related — are all separate things which are distinct and unique. This is a perfect example of people (even those who write the dictionaries) confusing one thing for another, simply because of their relationship or association. In this example — most people who are not deeply educated or even just perceptive REFER TO Accent, Rythm, & Melody as simply “Accent”. But this is not correct.

hat would be like saying The Guitarist, The Drummer, and The Bassist of a band are all the same thing — simply because they work together to create their music. They are clearly not the same thing. Even though they all work together so intricately.

o even though mistakes like these are VERY common — (and to use a colloquial phrase to illustrate my point)… “Just because everybody’s doing it — that does not make it correct”. And this is another of the main tenets of The Common Tongue… To Eliminate The Common Mistakes Of English, So-As To Improve ALL Communication. And this leads, then, to the next & final point.

“Accent” vs “Word-Stress”

he second usage of this word is common among people who are not deeply educated in the use of language — but is what we refer-to on all GiveMeSomeEnglish!!!: Articles, Blog-Posts, Pages, Videos, and Audio-Recordings — as: “Word-Stress”

lthough it is very common for many people (including my English teachers in school) to refer the “stress” in a word as the “accent”… “The accent is on the second syllable” — the reason that we do NOT do this is because we follow The Common Tongue Method. And one of the main tenets of The Common Tongue is that:

If A Word Or Phrase Can Be Confused By Ambiguous Meaning — Due To Improper Common Usage — We, Then, Use A More Proper Word Or Phrase In Its Place… (Or We Simply Do Not Use It.)

herefore — even though I grew up using the word “accent” to refer to which syllable of a word is being “stressed” — on GiveMeSomeEnglish!!!, we use the term “Word-Stress”. And by now, it should be obvious that this is the more logical way.