Hyphenation ofarbeidstijdverkorting

Dutch Word Analysis: arbeidstijdverkorting

1. Examination & Pronunciation:

The word "arbeidstijdverkorting" (reduction of working hours) is a compound noun common in Dutch. Its pronunciation involves a series of vowel and consonant clusters typical of the language.

2. Syllable Division:

Following Dutch syllabification rules, which prioritize vowel sounds and consonant clusters, the word is divided as follows (using only original letters):

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: ver- (Germanic origin) - Function: Intensifying or changing the meaning of the base word.
• Root: kort (Germanic origin) - Meaning: short.
• Suffixes: -ing (Germanic origin) - Function: Forms a noun from a verb (participle). -tijd (Dutch) - Meaning: time. -arbeid (Dutch) - Meaning: work.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the penultimate syllable: ver-kor-ting. Dutch stress is generally penultimate, but compound words can have complex stress patterns.

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/ɑrˈbɛitstɛitfərˈkɔrtɪŋ/

6. Syllable Breakdown & Rule Application:

Here's a detailed breakdown of each syllable, with IPA transcription, rule application, and potential exceptions:

• ar- /ɑr/ - Open syllable. Rule: Syllables are formed around vowel sounds. No exceptions.
• beid- /bɛit/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant clusters following a vowel form a closed syllable. Exception: 'ei' is a diphthong, but treated as a single vowel sound for syllabification.
• stijd- /stɛit/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant clusters following a vowel form a closed syllable.
• ver- /vər/ - Open syllable. Rule: Syllables are formed around vowel sounds.
• kor- /kɔr/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant clusters following a vowel form a closed syllable.
• ting- /tɪŋ/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant clusters following a vowel form a closed syllable.

7. Edge Case Review:

Dutch allows for some flexibility in syllabification, particularly with consonant clusters. However, the above division is the most common and phonologically accurate.

8. Grammatical Role:

The word is primarily a noun. Syllabification doesn't significantly shift with different grammatical roles, as Dutch relies more on word order than inflection.

9. Definition & Semantics:

• Word: arbeidstijdverkorting
• Part of Speech: Noun
• Definitions:
  • "Reduction of working hours"
  • "Shortening of the working week"
• Translation: Reduction of working hours
• Synonyms: werktijdverkorting (same meaning)
• Antonyms: werktijdverlenging (extension of working hours)
• Examples:
  • "De vakbond pleit voor arbeidstijdverkorting." (The union advocates for a reduction in working hours.)
  • "Arbeidstijdverkorting kan de werkgelegenheid stimuleren." (Reducing working hours can stimulate employment.)

10. Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations:

Regional variations in vowel pronunciation exist, but they don't fundamentally alter the syllabification. Some speakers might pronounce the 'ei' diphthong slightly differently.

11. Phonological Comparison:

• werkloosheid (unemployment): wer-kloos-heid - Similar syllable structure with consonant clusters.
• verantwoordelijkheid (responsibility): ver-ant-woor-de-lijk-heid - Demonstrates the handling of longer compound words and multiple suffixes.
• belastingdienst (tax office): be-las-tings-dienst - Shows how consonant clusters are handled at syllable boundaries.

These comparisons demonstrate the consistent application of Dutch syllabification rules, prioritizing vowel sounds and handling consonant clusters predictably.