BBC Broadcasters have different word stress on the word of "Highlight"

[Williamyh]

Hi Everybody,

I always ask the question about word stress, I seem to understand but still so confused. The following audio clips are from today's BBC News, there are two broadcasters, but I hear they had different word stress on the word of "Highlight", the male broadcaster said HIGHlight, the word stressed on the first syllable "High", but the female broadcaster said HIGHLIGHT, seems both syllables were stressed, many people say it would not be possible if two syllables are stressed. Please advise. Thanks.

BBC News Male Broadcaster - HIGHlight
Download Hightlight Male - MP3 Ringtone Hightlight Male by Hightlight Male - Free Music Hosting

BBC News Female Broadcaster - HIGHLIGHT
Download Female Highlight - MP3 Ringtone Female Highlight by Female Highlight - Free Music Hosting


W

 

[Rover_KE]

There's very little difference.

It's just a matter of personal preference.

Rover

 

[Williamyh]

There's very little difference.

It's just a matter of personal preference.

Rover

Thank you. But do you think the female broadcaster stressed on both syllables HIGHLIGHT? I just want to know if both of syllables are stressed, would it be incorrect in terms of pronunciation? Please advise.

 

[Rover_KE]

No. Both pronunciations are equally correct.

 

[Raymott]

many people say it would not be possible if two syllables are stressed.

I don't think that's true. They are many two-syllable words in English that have equal stress on the syllables; and many words in which the first or both are stressed.
Twilight highlight: Dog fight.

The only wrong pronunciation would be a stress on the second half: 'Twilight highlight: dog fight'.

 

[Mad-ox]

It's just a matter of personal preference.

I agree!

 

[Williamyh]

I don't think that's true. They are many two-syllable words in English that have equal stress on the syllables; and many words in which the first or both are stressed.
Twilight highlight: Dog fight.

The only wrong pronunciation would be a stress on the second half: 'Twilight highlight: dog fight'.

Thank you Raymott. But I still want to understand more, as you said "many two-syllable words in English that have equal stress on the syllables; and many words in which the first or both are stressed.", if so I want to consult you how I can learn this, I have many dictionaries on my hand but they never mention this, just indicate the first stress and second stress, could you please suggest me the way to learn this? Thanks a lot

 

[Raymott]

Thank you Raymott. But I still want to understand more, as you said "many two-syllable words in English that have equal stress on the syllables; and many words in which the first or both are stressed.", if so I want to consult you how I can learn this, I have many dictionaries on my hand but they never mention this, just indicate the first stress and second stress, could you please suggest me the way to learn this? Thanks a lot

Certainly. The best way to learn this is simply to listen to native English speakers.

 

[Mohammed A]

hi there

I think the wrong is in pronunciation of broadcaster .

Mohammed A

 

[Williamyh]

hi there

I think the wrong is in pronunciation of broadcaster .

Mohammed A

Please tell me more, why do you think broadcaster is wrong?