Word stress has long presented challenges to phonologists, as they have sought to uncover patterns in its distribution, and devise models to account for its behaviour and formal representation both within single languages and cross-linguistically. In this collection, a team of world-renowned researchers present a variety of viewpoints on the methods and problems involved. Offering fresh perspectives on the topic and its study, this book is specifically concerned with basing theoretical work on broad typological surveys and focuses on the collection, selection and use of data in the analysis of word stress and word rhythm, including their phonetic manifestations. An extensive introduction presents a state-of-the-art review of stress research. The contributors also present StressTyp2, a project in an advanced stage of development, which intends to make publicly available information on word stress in a broad sample of languages and will offer new ways of understanding this key research area.

‘The book covers an unparalleled range of issues in word stress: what it is, how we best describe it and how we best analyze and represent it. It advances our understanding of word stress and everybody with an interest in linguistics should read it.'

Ruben van der Vijver - Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf

‘This edited volume is fascinating reading and brings together outstanding scholars to provide a solid and updated contribution to fundamental questions that pertain to the nature of stress. Its breadth and scope, the richness of the data explored, and the refreshing insights on metrical research will provoke both thought and discussion.'

Anthi Revithiadou - Aristotle University of Thessaloniki