Hyphenation oftrousse-queues

Analysis of "trousse-queues" (French)

1. Pronunciation & Initial Examination:

The word "trousse-queues" is a compound noun in French, meaning "pigtails" or "braids." It's pronounced with a relatively straightforward syllabic structure, though the liaison possibilities between the two parts need consideration.

2. Syllable Division:

Following French syllabification rules, which prioritize vowel sounds and avoid breaking consonant clusters unless they are complex and involve a sonorant consonant, the division is as follows (using only the original letters):

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• trousse: From Old French trosse (bundle, pack), ultimately from Latin trussis (a bundle). Functions as a noun meaning "small bag" or "kit."
• queues: From Old French cue (tail), from Latin cauda (tail). Functions as a noun meaning "tails" or "lines." The 's' indicates pluralization.

4. Stress Identification:

In French, stress generally falls on the last syllable of a phrase or a word group. In this compound noun, the stress falls on the final syllable, "queues."

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/tʁus.kø/ (Note: the 'e' in 'queues' is often silent, resulting in a closed syllable)

6. Syllable Breakdown & Rule Application:

• trou: /tʁu/ - Open syllable. Rule: Syllables are formed around vowel sounds. The 'ou' diphthong forms the nucleus.
• sse: /sə/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant following a vowel forms a syllable boundary. The 's' is a consonant coda.
• queues: /kø/ - Closed syllable. Rule: The 'ue' diphthong forms the nucleus. The 's' is a consonant coda.

7. Edge Case Review:

The hyphen in "trousse-queues" indicates a compound noun. While it visually separates the two parts, phonetically, there can be a liaison (linking sound) between the 'e' of "trousse" and the 'q' of "queues" in fluent speech, creating a smoother transition. However, this doesn't alter the underlying syllabification.

8. Grammatical Role:

"Trousse-queues" functions exclusively as a noun. Syllabification remains consistent regardless of its grammatical context within a sentence.

9. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: Pigtails, braids, or queues (hairstyle).
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)
• Translation: Pigtails, braids
• Synonyms: Nattes (braids), couettes (pigtails)
• Antonyms: Cheveux lâchés (loose hair)
• Examples:
  • "Elle portait des tresses et des troussequeues." (She wore braids and pigtails.)
  • "Les troussequeues de la petite fille étaient jolies." (The little girl's pigtails were pretty.)

10. Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations:

Pronunciation is fairly standard. However, in some regions, the 'e' in "queues" might be slightly more pronounced, but it rarely becomes a full vowel sound. This doesn't affect the syllabification.

11. Phonological Comparison:

• chaussures: /ʃo.syʁ/ - Syllables: chaus-su-res. Similar structure with consonant clusters and vowel nuclei.
• porte-monnaie: /pɔʁt.mɔ.ne/ - Syllables: por-te-mon-naie. Compound noun, similar syllabification principles apply.
• souris-volantes: /su.ʁi.vɔ.lɑ̃t/ - Syllables: sou-ris-vo-lantes. Another compound noun, demonstrating the consistent application of vowel-centered syllabification.