Syllabication: meaning, definitions and examples

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syllabication

 

[ ˌsɪl.ə.baɪˈkeɪ.ʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

phonetics, education

Syllabication is the division of words into syllables, which are the smallest units of sound in speech that are typically made up of a vowel sound and any accompanying consonants. This process is essential in teaching pronunciation and spelling because it helps learners understand how to break words down into manageable parts for easier reading and speaking.

Synonyms

syllable division, syllable separation

Examples of usage

  • In phonetics, syllabication helps linguists analyze spoken language.
  • Children often learn syllabication to improve their reading skills.
  • Syllabication can vary between different languages and dialects.

Etymology

The word 'syllabication' comes from the Latin 'syllaba', which means 'syllable', and the suffix '-tion', indicating an action or process. The concept of syllabication has roots in ancient grammatical studies, where scholars aimed to understand the structure of words in relation to sounds. Throughout the centuries, the importance of syllabication became prominent in the fields of linguistics and education, especially as languages evolved and new teaching methods emerged. By providing a clear framework for breaking down words, syllabication aids not only in language comprehension but also in phonics instruction, thus enhancing literacy skills. In modern times, the study of syllabication is integral to various language learning curricula worldwide.