Hyphenation ofmeerderheidsbelangen

Linguistic Analysis of "meerderheidsbelangen" (Dutch)

1. Examination & Pronunciation:

The word "meerderheidsbelangen" (majority interests) is a complex noun in Dutch, formed through compounding. Its pronunciation involves a mix of vowel qualities and consonant clusters typical of the language.

2. Syllable Division:

Following Dutch syllabification rules, the word breaks down as follows (using only original letters):

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• meerderheids-: Derived from "meerderheid" (majority).
  • meer- (more) - Germanic origin.
  • -der- (comparative marker) - Germanic origin.
  • -heid (abstract noun suffix, -ness) - Germanic origin.
• be-: Prefix indicating possession or relation. Germanic origin.
• langen: Plural of "belang" (interest).
  • be- (to have, to concern) - Germanic origin.
  • -lang (related to length, concern, interest) - Germanic origin.
  • -en (plural marker) - Germanic origin.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the penultimate syllable: der-heids-be-lan-gen.

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/ˈmeːrdərɦɛitsbəˈlaŋə(n)/

6. Syllable Breakdown & Rule Application:

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

• meer-: /ˈmeːr/ - Open syllable. Rule: Dutch generally prefers to keep consonant clusters intact within a syllable if possible. No exceptions.
• der-: /ˈdər/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant after a vowel forms a syllable. No exceptions.
• heids-: /ˈhɛits/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant after a vowel forms a syllable. No exceptions.
• be-: /bə/ - Open syllable. Rule: Vowel sounds form a syllable. No exceptions.
• lan-: /ˈlaŋ/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant after a vowel forms a syllable. No exceptions.
• gen: /ɣə(n)/ - Open syllable. Rule: Vowel sounds form a syllable. The final -n is often reduced or elided in rapid speech, hence the (n) in the IPA.

7. Edge Case Review:

The "rd" cluster in "meerder-" is a common feature in Dutch and doesn't pose a syllabification challenge. The final -en plural marker is generally treated as a separate syllable, but can sometimes be reduced in pronunciation.

8. Grammatical Role:

The word functions solely as a noun. Syllabification and stress remain consistent regardless of its grammatical context within a sentence.

9. Definition & Semantics:

• Word: meerderheidsbelangen
• Part of Speech: Noun (plural)
• Definitions:
  • "The interests of the majority."
  • "Majority interests."
• Translation: Majority interests
• Synonyms: meerderheidsrechten (majority rights), collectieve belangen (collective interests)
• Antonyms: minderheidsbelangen (minority interests), individuele belangen (individual interests)
• Examples:
  • "De regering moet de meerderheidsbelangen dienen." (The government must serve the majority interests.)
  • "Het beleid is in strijd met de meerderheidsbelangen." (The policy is contrary to the majority interests.)

10. Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations:

Regional variations in vowel pronunciation exist in Dutch, but they don't significantly alter the syllabification. The reduction of the final -en is more common in some dialects than others.

11. Phonological Comparison:

• werkloosheid (unemployment): wer-kloos-heid - Similar structure with compounding and suffixes. Stress pattern is also on the penultimate syllable.
• verantwoordelijkheid (responsibility): ver-ant-woor-de-lijk-heid - Longer compound, but follows the same syllabification principles.
• gemeenteraad (municipal council): ge-meen-te-raad - Demonstrates how consonant clusters are handled within syllables.