Definition
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A syllable is a unit of sound composed of |
- a central peak of sonority (usually a vowel), and
- the consonants that cluster around this central peak.
Discussion
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Syllable structure, which is the combination of allowable segments and typical sound sequences, is language specific. |
Parts
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Examples
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Here is an example of the syllable structure of the English word limit:
Diagram: Here is a diagram of a syllable:
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Comparison
Here are some kinds of syllables:
|
Kind |
Description |
Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Heavy |
Has a branching rhyme. All syllables with a branching nucleus (long vowels) are considered heavy. Some languages treat syllables with a short vowel (nucleus followed by a consonant (coda) as heavy. |
CV:C, CVCC, CVC |
|
Light |
Has a non-branching rhyme (short vowel). Some languages treat syllables with a short vowel(nucleus) followed by a consonant (coda) as light. |
CV, CVC |
|
Closed |
Ends with a consonant coda. |
CVC, CVCC, VC |
|
Open |
Has no final consonant |
CV |