Hyphenation ofbefolkningssammensetning

Norwegian Nynorsk Word Analysis: befolkingssammensetning

1. Examination & Pronunciation:

The word "befolkningssammensetning" (population composition) is a complex noun in Norwegian Nynorsk. It's formed through compounding and suffixation. Pronunciation involves a relatively consistent vowel quality, with stress typically falling on the third syllable.

2. Syllable Division:

Following Nynorsk syllable division rules, which generally favor maximizing onsets (consonant clusters at the beginning of a syllable) and avoiding stranded consonants, the division is as follows (using only original letters):

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• befolk-: Prefix/Root - From be- (intensive prefix) + folk (people). Germanic origin. Function: Indicates relating to people.
• -nings-: Suffix - Derived from the noun suffix -ing, indicating a process or result. Germanic origin. Function: Forms a noun from a verb or adjective.
• sammenset-: Root - From sammensetning (composition). Germanic origin. Function: Core meaning of 'putting together'.
• -ning: Suffix - Noun forming suffix. Germanic origin. Function: Forms a noun.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the third syllable: sam-men-set-ning.

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/bəˈfɔlknɪŋsˌsɑmːənˌsɛtnɪŋ/

6. Syllable Breakdown & Rule Application:

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

• be-: /bə/ - Open syllable. Rule: Syllable division occurs before a vowel. No exceptions.
• fol-: /fɔl/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant cluster 'fl' is treated as an onset. No exceptions.
• knings-: /knɪŋs/ - Closed syllable. Rule: 'kn' is treated as a single onset consonant cluster. No exceptions.
• sam-: /sɑmː/ - Open syllable. Rule: Syllable division occurs before a vowel. No exceptions.
• men-: /mɛn/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Syllable division occurs before a vowel. No exceptions.
• set-: /sɛt/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Syllable division occurs before a vowel. This syllable receives primary stress. No exceptions.
• ning: /nɪŋ/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Syllable division occurs before a vowel. No exceptions.

7. Edge Case Review:

The 'kn' cluster is a common initial consonant cluster in Norwegian and is always treated as a single onset. The double 'm' in 'sammen' is a typical feature of Norwegian and doesn't affect syllabification.

8. Grammatical Role:

The word is primarily a noun. Syllabification and stress remain consistent regardless of grammatical function (as it's a single, inflexible form).

9. Definition & Semantics:

• Word: befolkingssammensetning
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)
• Definitions:
  • "The composition of the population."
  • "The demographic makeup of a region or country."
• Translation: Population composition
• Synonyms: demografisk sammensetning (demographic composition)
• Antonyms: (None direct, but could be contrasted with 'befolkningsnedgang' - population decline)
• Examples:
  • "Endringer i befolkingssammensetningen kan påvirke velferdsstaten." (Changes in population composition can affect the welfare state.)
  • "Studien undersøkte befolkingssammensetningen i de ulike fylkene." (The study examined the population composition in the different counties.)

10. Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations:

Regional variations in vowel pronunciation exist, but they don't significantly alter the syllabification. Some dialects might slightly reduce the vowel in unstressed syllables.

11. Phonological Comparison:

• utdanning (education): ut-dan-ning. Similar structure with consonant clusters and vowel-initial syllables.
• samarbeid (cooperation): sam-ar-beid. Similar compound structure with vowel-initial syllables.
• forbindelse (connection): for-bin-del-se. Similar structure with consonant clusters and vowel-initial syllables.

The syllable division rules are consistently applied across these words, demonstrating the regularity of Nynorsk syllabification. The key difference lies in the length and complexity of the consonant clusters and the number of syllables.