Syllables

Syllable

Definition

Any of the units into which a word is divided , containing a vowel sound and usually one or more consonants (Hornby : Oxford ALD , 7th ed , 2005)

Structure of a Syllable

The units of a syllable are also called speech sounds.These are of two types :

Consonants (C) It occurs either at the beginning (releasing )or at the end (arresting)of a syllable .

Vowels (V) It forms the nucleus or central part of the syllable.

Types of Syllable

Closed Syllable : A syllable which is arrested by a consonant.

Example: Look at these words , they are ending in a consonant sound bit , map , make

Open Syllable : a syllable which does not have any arresting consonant.

Example: Look at these words , they are ending with a vowel sound lie, bee, Key