Hyphenation ofsuperpuissances

Analysis of "superpuissances"

1. Pronunciation: The word "superpuissances" is pronounced /sy.pɛʁ.pɥi.sɑ̃s/ in standard French.

2. Syllable Division: The syllable division, adhering to the rule of maximizing onsets and avoiding stranded consonants, is: su-per-puis-san-ces.

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: super- (Latin origin, meaning "above," "over"). Morphological function: intensifier.
• Root: puis- (from puissance, Latin potentia meaning "power"). Morphological function: core meaning.
• Suffix: -sances (French suffix, derived from Latin -entia, forming abstract nouns denoting a quality or state). Morphological function: nominalization.

4. Stress Identification: The primary stress falls on the penultimate syllable: san.

5. Phonetic Transcription: /sy.pɛʁ.pɥi.sɑ̃s/

6. Edge Case Review: French syllable structure generally avoids consonant clusters at the end of syllables. However, the /ʁ/ sound can sometimes act as a syllable nucleus, but in this case, it's part of the onset of the following syllable.

7. Grammatical Role: "Superpuissances" is a noun, specifically a plural noun. The syllabification remains consistent regardless of grammatical number.

8. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: Great powers; superpowers.
• Grammatical Category: Noun (feminine plural)
• Translation: Superpowers
• Synonyms: grandes puissances, forces majeures
• Antonyms: petites puissances, pays en développement
• Examples: "Les superpuissances se disputent l'influence mondiale." (The superpowers are vying for global influence.)

9. Phonological Comparison:

• importance: im-por-tan-ce (4 syllables) - Similar structure with a prefix and suffix. Stress on the penultimate syllable.
• expérience: ex-pé-ri-en-ce (5 syllables) - Similar suffix -ence. Stress on the penultimate syllable.
• différences: dif-fé-ren-ces (4 syllables) - Similar suffix -ences. Stress on the penultimate syllable.

The consistent stress pattern on the penultimate syllable in these words highlights a common feature of French prosody. The syllable division follows similar principles of maximizing onsets.

Detailed Syllable Analysis:

• su- /sy/ - Open syllable. Rule applied: Initial syllable, vowel onset. No exceptions.
• per- /pɛʁ/ - Closed syllable. Rule applied: Consonant cluster followed by vowel. Potential exception: /ʁ/ could theoretically form a syllable on its own, but it's integrated into the onset of the next syllable.
• puis- /pɥi/ - Closed syllable. Rule applied: Vowel followed by consonant. No exceptions.
• san- /sɑ̃/ - Nasal vowel syllable, closed. Rule applied: Nasal vowel forms a syllable nucleus. Stress falls on this syllable. No exceptions.
• ces /sɑ̃s/ - Closed syllable. Rule applied: Consonant cluster following a nasal vowel. No exceptions.

Exceptions and Special Cases:

• The /ʁ/ sound can be tricky in French syllabification. It can sometimes act as a syllable boundary, but in this case, it's part of the onset of the next syllable.
• The nasal vowel /ɑ̃/ requires careful consideration as it forms a syllable nucleus.

Division Rules Applied:

1. Maximize Onsets: Attempt to include as many consonants as possible in the onset of a syllable.
2. Avoid Stranded Consonants: Avoid leaving consonants without a vowel to form a syllable.
3. Vowel-Consonant Division: When a vowel is followed by a consonant, a syllable break typically occurs.
4. Nasal Vowel Rule: Nasal vowels form syllable nuclei.