Hyphenation ofstream-bordering

Linguistic Analysis of "stream-bordering" (US English)

1. Pronunciation Examination:

The word "stream-bordering" is a compound word formed by combining "stream" and "bordering." It's pronounced with a relatively straightforward phonetic structure, though the "-ing" suffix presents a common syllabic consideration.

2. Syllable Division:

Following US English syllabification rules, the word divides as follows: stream-bor-der-ing.

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: None
• Root: border (Old French border – meaning ‘edge, boundary’) – a free morpheme functioning as the base of the word.
• Suffix:
  • -er (Old English -ere) – derivational suffix, forming a noun from the verb border.
  • -ing (Old English -ing) – inflectional suffix, indicating present participle or gerund.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the second syllable: bor-DER-ing.

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/striːm ˈbɔːrdərɪŋ/

6. Edge Case Review:

The "-ing" suffix can sometimes form a syllable on its own, especially when preceded by a short vowel. However, in this case, the vowel in "border" is relatively long and the "r" creates a strong consonant cluster, making it more natural to include the "-ing" with the final syllable.

7. Grammatical Role:

"Stream-bordering" functions primarily as an adjective. As an adjective, the stress pattern remains consistent. If it were used as a gerund (a verb acting as a noun), the stress would likely remain on "border."

8. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: Relating to or situated along the edge of a stream.
• Grammatical Category: Adjective
• Synonyms: streamside, riparian
• Antonyms: inland, central
• Examples: "The stream-bordering vegetation was lush and green." "They built a cabin on the stream-bordering property."

9. Phonological Comparison:

• Watering: wa-ter-ing – Similar structure with the "-ing" suffix. Stress on the second syllable.
• Morning: morn-ing – Similar ending, stress on the first syllable.
• Ordering: or-der-ing – Similar structure, stress on the second syllable.

The consistent stress on the second syllable in these words highlights the typical pattern for words ending in "-er" followed by "-ing." The difference in stress placement between "morning" and the others is due to the vowel quality and syllable weight of "morn-".

Detailed Syllable Breakdown & Rules:

• stream: /striːm/ - Open syllable. Rule: Vowel + Consonant cluster. Potential exception: The "str" cluster could be considered a complex onset, but is commonly treated as a single unit.
• bor: /bɔːr/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Vowel + Consonant.
• der: /dər/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Vowel + Consonant.
• ing: /ɪŋ/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Vowel + Nasal Consonant. Potential exception: The "ing" can sometimes be considered a syllabic nasal, but in this context, it's clearly part of the final syllable.

Exceptions/Special Cases:

• The "str" consonant cluster in "stream" is a common initial cluster in English and doesn't pose a significant syllabification challenge.
• The "-ing" suffix is a frequent source of syllabification debate, but its inclusion with "der" is the most natural division in this case.

Division Rules Applied:

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