Hyphenation ofintercommunication

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

1. Pronunciation:

The word "intercommunication" is pronounced /ˌɪntəˌkɒmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən/ in General British English.

2. Syllable Division:

The syllable division, adhering to the rule of using only the original letters, is: in-ter-com-mu-ni-ca-tion

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: inter- (Latin, meaning "between" or "among") - Function: Indicates reciprocal action or involvement.
• Root: com- (Latin, from com-, a combining form of cum meaning "with") + mun- (Latin, from munire meaning "to furnish, equip, defend") - Function: Forms the core meaning related to joining or providing.
• Suffix: -ication (Latin, -icatio meaning "the act of") - Function: Forms a noun denoting an action or process.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the penultimate syllable: /ˌɪntəˌkɒmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən/. The secondary stress falls on the first syllable.

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/ˌɪntəˌkɒmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən/

6. Syllable Breakdown & Rule Application:

• in-: /ɪn/ - Open syllable. Rule: Onset-Rhyme structure. 'in' forms a valid onset-rhyme combination. No exceptions.
• ter-: /tə/ - Open syllable. Rule: Vowel after consonant. 'ter' follows the pattern of a consonant followed by a vowel. No exceptions.
• com-: /kɒm/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant cluster followed by a vowel. 'com' forms a closed syllable with a consonant cluster. No exceptions.
• mu-: /mjuː/ - Open syllable. Rule: Semivowel glide. 'mu' is an open syllable with a semivowel glide. No exceptions.
• ni-: /nɪ/ - Open syllable. Rule: Onset-Rhyme structure. 'ni' forms a valid onset-rhyme combination. No exceptions.
• ca-: /keɪ/ - Open syllable. Rule: Diphthong. 'ca' contains a diphthong, creating an open syllable. No exceptions.
• tion: /ʃən/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant cluster at the end of the word. 'tion' forms a closed syllable with a consonant cluster. No exceptions.

7. Edge Case Review:

The word is relatively straightforward in its syllabification. The presence of multiple morphemes and vowel clusters doesn't introduce significant exceptions.

8. Grammatical Role:

"Intercommunication" primarily functions as a noun. Syllabification and stress remain consistent regardless of grammatical function, as it doesn't readily change form (e.g., no verb form exists).

9. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: The exchange of information between people or groups.
• Grammatical Category: Noun
• Synonyms: communication, correspondence, dialogue, exchange
• Antonyms: isolation, silence, disconnection
• Examples: "Effective intercommunication is vital for a successful team." "The new system improved intercommunication between departments."

10. Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations:

While the provided IPA transcription represents General British English, some regional variations might exist in vowel quality (e.g., /ɒ/ vs. /ɔ/). These variations would not significantly alter the syllable division. American English pronunciation would differ, potentially affecting vowel sounds but not syllable boundaries.

11. Phonological Comparison:

• communication: com-mu-ni-ca-tion - Similar structure, stress on the penultimate syllable.
• miscommunication: mis-com-mu-ni-ca-tion - Added prefix 'mis-', maintains the same syllable structure and stress pattern.
• international: in-ter-na-tion-al - Similar prefix 'inter-', different root and suffix, but maintains a comparable syllable structure.

The consistency in syllable division across these words demonstrates the application of standard English syllabification rules. The presence of prefixes and suffixes generally adds syllables without altering the core structure.