Hyphenation ofself-sustentation

Linguistic Analysis of "self-sustentation"

1. Pronunciation Examination:

The word "self-sustentation" is pronounced as /ˌselfsʌstəˈneɪʃən/ in US English. It's a relatively complex word with multiple morphemes and potential syllabic stress variations.

2. Syllable Division:

Following US English syllabification rules, the word breaks down as follows (using only original letters):

self-sus-ten-ta-tion

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: self- (Old English) - reflexive pronoun functioning as a prefix, indicating performance of an action by the subject.
• Root: sustain (Latin sustinere - 'to hold up, endure') - to support, maintain, or prolong.
• Suffix: -tion (Latin) - nominalizing suffix, forming a noun from a verb.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the fourth syllable: sus-ten-ta-tion. Secondary stress is present on the first syllable: self-sus-ten-ta-tion.

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/ˌselfsʌstəˈneɪʃən/

6. Edge Case Review:

The sequence "-sus-" can sometimes be ambiguous, but in this case, it clearly functions as the beginning of the root "sustain". The "ten" syllable is a common pattern.

7. Grammatical Role:

"Self-sustentation" primarily functions as a noun. While theoretically, one could attempt to use it adjectivally (though it's uncommon), the syllabification and stress remain consistent.

8. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: The ability to maintain or support oneself, often financially or emotionally.
• Grammatical Category: Noun
• Synonyms: self-reliance, independence, self-sufficiency
• Antonyms: dependence, reliance
• Examples: "Her self-sustentation was a testament to her hard work and determination." "The program aims to promote self-sustentation among newly arrived immigrants."

9. Phonological Comparison:

• Information: in-for-ma-tion (4 syllables, stress on -ma-) - Similar structure with a suffix, but simpler root.
• Communication: com-mu-ni-ca-tion (5 syllables, stress on -ca-) - Longer word with a different root, but shares the "-tion" suffix.
• Continuation: con-tin-u-a-tion (5 syllables, stress on -nu-) - Similar suffix and syllable count, demonstrating the consistent application of syllabification rules with the "-tion" suffix.

The differences in syllable count and stress placement are due to the varying lengths and complexities of the roots. The "-tion" suffix consistently forms a separate syllable.

Detailed Syllable Analysis:

Division Rules Applied:

1. Onset-Rime: Syllables are divided into an onset (initial consonant(s)) and a rime (vowel and any following consonants).
2. Vowel Rule: Each syllable must contain a vowel sound.
3. Consonant Cluster Rule: Consonant clusters are generally maintained within a syllable unless they are easily separable based on pronunciation.

Special Considerations:

The word's length and multiple morphemes require careful consideration of stress placement and syllable boundaries. The pronunciation of the "ti" in "sustentation" as /ʃ/ is a common phonetic change in English.

Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations:

While the primary pronunciation is /ˌselfsʌstəˈneɪʃən/, some speakers might slightly reduce the vowel in the unstressed syllables. This wouldn't significantly alter the syllable division.