What is a syllable?

 


 

Definition
 

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
 

Syllable structure, which is the combination of allowable segments and typical sound sequences, is language specific.

Parts
 

Parts

Description

Optionality

Onset

Initial segment of a syllable

Optional

Rhyme

Core of a syllable, consisting of a nucleus and coda (see below)

Obligatory

– Nucleus

Central segment of a syllable

Obligatory

– Coda

Closing segment of a syllable

Optional

Example (English)
 

Here is an example of the syllable structure of the English word limit:

 
Kinds
 

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

Diagram
 

Here is a diagram of a syllable: