Abstract
In this paper authors explain about syllable that consist Phonotactics and consonant clusters. In the final of explanation we make some conclusion about syllable.
Introduction
There are many words which speakers of a language use without ever really thinking about their meaning. Most English speakers probably thing they know what a syllable is and yet if asked to define it, might have difficulty in doing so. In the discussions of diphthongs and of the classification of approximants as consonants we stressed the important of syllables when considering the function of the sounds within a particular sound system.
The Syllable: Phonotactics and Consonant Clusters
I. Syllable
Phonetically, a syllable always contains a centre which is comparatively loud and which involves little or no obstruction to airflow.
Some terms that’s are often used to describe the syllable are PEAK for the centre, ONSET for less loud and/or more turbulent sounds preceding the peak, ad CODA for less loud and/or more turbulent sounds following the peak. The peak and coda together (if the syllable has a coda) are called the RHYME. In a syllable that has no coda, the peak is also the rhyme. A diagram commonly used to illustrate the structure of the syllable is shown in figure. Onset and coda are shown in parentheses because they are optional elements[1].
 |
v Structure of the syllable
Onset
The segmental structure of a syllable begins with an onset, followed by a rime or final.
Syllable: C1 (C2) V1 (V2) (C3) (C4) = onset: C1 (C2) + rime: V1 (V2) (C3) (C4).
Syllable: V1 (V2) (C3) (C4) = onset: ø (null) + rime: V1 (V2) (C3) (C4)
(C= consonant, V = Vowel, optional components are in parentheses)
Depending on the Phonotactics of a language, the onset can consist of a single consonant of a consonant cluster or be null[2].
Rime structure  |
C a t
S I ng
The simple model of syllable structure divides each syllable into on optional onset, an obligatory nucleus, and an optional coda. The illustration to the right demonstrative this model with the English words cat and sing[3].
Syllable nucleus/ peak
Example:
Word
|
Nucleus
|
Cat [kæt]
Bed [bed]
Ode [oυd]
Beet [bit]
Bite [ baIt]
Rain [reIn]
|
[æ]
[e]
[oυ]
[i]
[aI]
[eI]
|
In phonetics and phonology, the nucleus (sometimes called peak) is the central part of the syllable, most commonly a vowel. In addition to a nucleus, a syllable may begin with an onset and end with a coda, but in most languages the only part of a syllable that is mandatory is the nucleus. The nucleus and coda form the rime of the syllable[4].