Hyphenation ofnonreasonability

Linguistic Analysis of "nonreasonability"

1. Pronunciation Examination:

The word "nonreasonability" is a complex word formed through multiple affixations. Its pronunciation in US English involves a relatively straightforward application of English phonological rules, though the length and complexity can lead to variations in stress and reduction of unstressed vowels.

2. Syllable Division:

Following English syllabification rules, the word breaks down as follows (using only original letters): non-rea-son-a-bil-i-ty.

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: non- (Latin origin, meaning "not"). Morphological function: negation.
• Root: reason (Latin ratio, meaning "to think, calculate"). Morphological function: core meaning.
• Suffix: -ability (Latin -abilitas, from abilis meaning "able"). Morphological function: forms a noun denoting capability or quality.
• Suffix: -ness (Old English -nes, from -nessu). Morphological function: forms a noun denoting a state or quality.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the third syllable: non-rea-son-a-bil-i-ty. This is determined by the weight principle (longer syllables are more likely to be stressed) and the tendency for stress to fall on the root.

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/ˌnɑnˈriːzənəˈbɪləti/

6. Edge Case Review:

The sequence of vowels in "reasonability" can sometimes lead to slight variations in pronunciation, particularly in unstressed syllables. However, the standard pronunciation follows the rules of vowel reduction in unstressed positions.

7. Grammatical Role:

"Nonreasonability" functions solely as a noun. There are no shifts in syllabification or stress if it were to function as another part of speech, as it is not morphologically adaptable to other grammatical categories.

8. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: The quality or state of lacking reason; irrationality.
• Grammatical Category: Noun
• Synonyms: irrationality, illogicality, absurdity, senselessness
• Antonyms: rationality, logic, reason
• Examples: "The nonreasonability of his actions shocked everyone." "Her argument was based on pure nonreasonability."

9. Phonological Comparison:

• Responsibility: re-spon-si-bil-i-ty. Similar syllable structure, stress on the third syllable. The initial consonant cluster differs, but the overall pattern is consistent.
• Possibility: pos-si-bil-i-ty. Similar suffix structure (-ibility). Stress on the second syllable, differing from "nonreasonability" due to the initial syllable weight.
• Reasonableness: rea-son-a-ble-ness. Shares the root "reason" and the suffix "-ness". Stress on the second syllable, differing from "nonreasonability" due to the absence of the "non-" prefix and the different suffix.

Detailed Syllable Analysis:

Exceptions/Special Cases (Word-Level):

The length of the word and the multiple affixes create a complex structure. However, the syllabification follows standard English rules without major exceptions. The schwa reduction in the fourth syllable is a common phenomenon in unstressed syllables.

Division Rules Applied:

1. Vowel-Coda Rule: Syllables generally end in a vowel sound.
2. Consonant-Coda Rule: Syllables can end in a consonant sound.
3. Weight Principle: Longer syllables (more complex structure) are more likely to be stressed.

Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations:

Some speakers might slightly reduce the vowel in "rea" to a schwa, but the standard pronunciation maintains a clear /iː/ sound. Regional accents might also influence the vowel quality.