Hyphenation ofembroussaillons

Analysis of "embroussaillons"

1. Pronunciation: The word "embroussaillons" is pronounced approximately as /ɑ̃.bʁu.saj.jɔ̃/.

2. Syllable Division: The syllable division, adhering to the rule of maximizing onsets and avoiding stranded consonants, is: em-brou-ssa-illons.

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: em- (Latin origin, prefix of inchoative or intensive force, meaning 'in' or 'begin to').
• Root: brousse (Old French, from Latin brūtea meaning 'brushwood', 'thicket').
• Suffix: -aillons (French suffix indicating the first-person plural imperfect subjunctive, derived from the verb aller 'to go', and used to form the imperfect subjunctive of verbs ending in -er).

4. Stress Identification: The primary stress falls on the penultimate syllable: /ɑ̃.bʁu.saj.jɔ̃/. This is typical for French, where stress generally falls on the last syllable unless that syllable contains a schwa /ə/ or is followed by a silent 'e'.

5. Phonetic Transcription: /ɑ̃.bʁu.saj.jɔ̃/

6. Syllable Breakdown & Rule Application:

• em-: /ɑ̃/ - Open syllable. Rule: Syllables are formed around vowel nuclei. The 'm' is a coda. Exception: Nasal vowel /ɑ̃/ can sometimes initiate a syllable.
• brou-: /bʁu/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant clusters are generally maintained within the syllable if possible. 'br' is a permissible onset cluster in French.
• ssa-: /saj/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant-vowel structure. 'ss' is a permissible onset cluster.
• illons-: /jɔ̃/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant-vowel structure. 'll' is a permissible onset cluster. The final 's' is part of the syllable's coda.

7. Exceptions/Special Cases: The nasal vowels /ɑ̃/ and /ɔ̃/ can sometimes present challenges in syllabification, as they are complex sounds. However, in this case, they function as clear vowel nuclei.

8. Grammatical Role & Syllabification: "Embroussaillons" is the first-person plural imperfect subjunctive of the verb "embroussailler" (to overgrow, to make a mess of). The syllabification remains consistent regardless of the verb's tense or mood.

9. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: First-person plural imperfect subjunctive of the verb "embroussailler". It implies a hypothetical or conditional action of overgrowing or making a mess of something.
• Translation: "We would overgrow/mess up"
• Part of Speech: Verb (conjugated form)
• Synonyms: (for "embroussailler") : enchevêtrer, compliquer, brouiller
• Antonyms: (for "embroussailler") : dégager, simplifier, clarifier
• Examples: "Si nous avions le temps, nous embroussaillons le jardin." (If we had the time, we would overgrow the garden.)

10. Regional Variations: Pronunciation of the 'r' sound can vary regionally (uvular vs. alveolar). This doesn't affect the syllabification.

11. Phonological Comparison:

• illustrations: il-lus-tra-tions - Similar syllable structure with consonant clusters.
• populations: po-pu-la-tions - Similar syllable structure with consonant clusters and a final 's'.
• occasions: o-ca-sions - Similar syllable structure with consonant clusters and a final 's'.

The differences lie in the specific consonant clusters and vowel sounds, but the general principle of maximizing onsets and avoiding stranded consonants applies consistently.