15.2451, Qs: The Definition of Stress

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LINGUIST List:  Vol-15-2451. Fri Sep 3 2004. ISSN: 1068-4875.

Subject: 15.2451, Qs: The Definition of Stress

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1)
Date:  Wed, 1 Sep 2004 21:52:32 +0300
From:  "VC" <vadim_lv at center-tv.net>
Subject:  The definition of stress

-------------------------------- Message 1 -------------------------------

Date:  Wed, 1 Sep 2004 21:52:32 +0300
From:  "VC" <vadim_lv at center-tv.net>
Subject:  The definition of stress


Dear Listmembers,

I'm preparing a work on the Canaanean language, and became suspicious
that the folks had somewhat different understanding of stress than we
do now.

Perhaps you can advise me on the following questions:

What exactly is the definition of "stress"? I assumed it is an
elongation of the vowel, but I've seen other definitions, like
difference of pitch (which is ok for, say, umlaut, but I cannot figure
out what it has to do with stress) and even stress (yes, the tautology
"stress is a stressed vowel").

If, however, stress is an elongation, how could a short vowel be
stressed? Presumably, it should become long under the stress. However,
the short vowels in closed syllables seemingly do not become long when
stressed.

What becomes of long vowel under the stress? Although elongated, it
hardly becomes "extra long." What exactly is the difference between long
and stressed long vowels?

Why there is a tendency in languages to move the stress from closed to
open syllable?


I would appreciate any comments. Thank you in advance.


Sincerely,

Vadim Cherny
<vadim_lv at center-tv.net>

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