A very fast reading of a text by a speaker of R.P. is compared with a “Normal” reading by the same speaker. In neither case are the rhythmic “feet” isochronous: the more syllables in a foot-type, the greater the average duration for that type. There is not a great increase in duration from one- to two- to three-syllable feet, but those with four are noticeably longer. Some reasons are suggested, other than greater numbers of syllables, for the greater durations of some of the feet. It is also suggested that the longer feet, though containing only one stress each, do not interfere with the rhythm set up by the commoner type, but may operate at two units each.
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