Tone-based Rhythm of Chinese and Stress-based Rhythm of English

In line with Hyman's theory of phonological typology,Chinese could be categorized as tone-based rhythm manifested in monosyllabic and disyllabic words and even discourse structure,while English could be categorized as stress-based rhythm reflected in the alternation of stressed and unstressed syllables. It is argued that Chinese accent,rather than stress,is realized through the use of tone,and lacks lexical markers. Both rhythmic properties perform grammatical and semantic functions so as to be perceived and recognized by Chinese and English natives respectively.