Challenges in English Word Stress for Macedonian Learners: Variation Across Different Learner Profiles

This study looks at English and Macedonian word stress patterns and explores how learners from various linguistic and geographic backgrounds acquire and use English word stress. English relies on variable, lexically determined stress, which frequently causes difficulties for Macedonian learners, whereas Macedonian has a comparatively stable, mostly fixed stress system. The study investigates the effects of these structural variations on intelligibility, stress placement, and pronunciation accuracy. Pronunciation tasks, perception tests, and learner surveys were used to gather data from participants with a variety of backgrounds, including learners with varying exposure to English varieties, bilingual speakers of Macedonian and another regional or minority language, and monolingual speakers of Macedonian. The results show both significant variation among learner groups and systematic patterns of stress transfer from Macedonian to English, indicating that both linguistic background and English input influence stress acquisition. In addition to highlighting implications for English language instruction, the study advances our understanding of cross-linguistic influence and emphasizes the need for Macedonian learners to receive specialized instruction on stress perception and production. Keywords: Stress patterns, Phonology, Comparison, Syllable, English, Macedonian.