Hyphenation ofincommunicativeness

Linguistic Analysis of "incommunicativeness" (English (GB))

1. Pronunciation Examination:

The word "incommunicativeness" is a complex noun, relatively uncommon in everyday speech. Its pronunciation in GB English follows standard Received Pronunciation (RP) patterns, though regional variations exist. The word features multiple morphemes and a relatively long sequence of vowels and consonants.

2. Syllable Division:

The syllable division, adhering to the rule of maximizing onsets (consonant clusters at the beginning of a syllable) and avoiding stranded consonants, is as follows: in-com-mu-ni-ca-tive-ness.

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: in- (Latin, meaning 'not') - Negation.
• Root: communic- (Latin communicare, 'to share') - The core meaning of conveying information.
• Suffix: -ative (Latin -ativus) - Forms an adjective meaning 'having the quality of'.
• Suffix: -ness (Old English -nes) - Forms a noun denoting a state or quality.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the fifth syllable: ca-. The stress pattern is relatively weak on the initial syllables, building towards the root and then diminishing again towards the end.

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/ɪn.kəˈmjuː.nɪ.keɪ.tɪv.nəs/

6. Edge Case Review:

The sequence "-tive-ness" is a common but potentially ambiguous area. The rule of maximizing onsets generally dictates separating these, but the vowel sounds also influence the natural flow.

7. Grammatical Role:

The word primarily functions as a noun. While theoretically, one could attempt to derive an adverbial form ("incommunicatively"), the syllabification would remain largely unchanged, with the stress potentially shifting slightly to the "-ly" suffix.

8. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: The state or quality of not being communicative; unresponsiveness or a lack of willingness to share thoughts or feelings.
• Grammatical Category: Noun
• Synonyms: taciturnity, reticence, uncommunicativeness, aloofness, reserve.
• Antonyms: communicativeness, loquacity, garrulity, openness.
• Examples: "His incommunicativeness made it difficult to understand his motivations." "The patient's incommunicativeness was a symptom of their depression."

9. Phonological Comparison:

• Responsibility: re-spon-si-bil-i-ty (5 syllables) - Similar in length and complexity, with multiple suffixes. Stress falls on the third syllable.
• Communicable: com-mu-ni-ca-ble (5 syllables) - Shares the root "communic-". Stress falls on the third syllable.
• Creativeness: cre-a-tive-ness (4 syllables) - Similar suffix structure (-iveness/-ness). Stress falls on the third syllable.

The differences in syllable division arise primarily from the differing consonant and vowel sequences preceding and following the shared morphemes. "Incommunicativeness" has a more complex initial consonant cluster and a longer vowel sequence in the root.

Detailed Syllable Analysis:

Division Rules Applied:

1. Maximize Onsets: Consonant clusters are generally kept together at the beginning of syllables.
2. Vowel After Consonant: Syllables are typically divided after a vowel.
3. Glide Formation: Semi-vowels (like /j/ and /w/) are often included in the following syllable.
4. Diphthong Resolution: Diphthongs are treated as single vowel sounds within a syllable.

Special Considerations:

The word's length and complexity make it prone to individual variations in pronunciation and, consequently, syllable division. The linking of "tive" and "ness" is a potential area of ambiguity.

Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations:

Some speakers might slightly reduce the vowel in "in-", making it closer to /ən/. This wouldn't significantly alter the syllable division.

Short Analysis:

"Incommunicativeness" is a seven-syllable noun derived from Latin roots. The primary stress falls on the fifth syllable (/keɪ/). Syllable division follows rules maximizing onsets and separating vowel sounds. The word denotes a lack of willingness to communicate and is relatively uncommon in everyday speech.