THE SYLLABIC STRUCTURE OF ENGLISH WORDS AND THE DEFINITION OF THE SYLLABLE
Abstract
The concept of the syllable is one of the most fundamental yet most debated notions in phonetics and phonology. Despite its apparent simplicity, defining the syllable and describing its internal structure remain challenging due to the diversity of linguistic approaches. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the syllable as a phonological unit in English, examines its defining characteristics, and analyzes the patterns of syllable structure found in English words. Additionally, it explores the phonetic, phonological, and morphological roles of the syllable, highlighting its significance in pronunciation, stress placement, spelling conventions, and word formation. Examples from English vocabulary are provided to illustrate key theoretical principles.
Keywords
Syllable, phonetics, phonology, onset, nucleus, coda, syllabification, English word structure, stress, phonological unit.
References
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