Hyphenation offlertallsbefolkning

Norwegian Word Analysis: flertallsbefolkning

1. Examination & Pronunciation:

The word "flertallsbefolkning" (plural population) is a compound noun in Norwegian. It's pronounced with a relatively even stress distribution, though the final syllable receives slightly more emphasis. The 'r' is typically alveolar, and vowels are generally clear.

2. Syllable Division:

Following Norwegian syllable division rules, which prioritize vowel sounds and consonant clusters, the word breaks down as follows (using only original letters):

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: fler- (from Old Norse fleiri meaning 'more', related to 'multiple') - indicates plurality.
• Root: talls- (from tall meaning 'number') - relates to counting or quantity.
• Suffix: -befolkning (from be- 'about, concerning' + folk 'people' + -ning a noun-forming suffix) - denotes population.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the third syllable: talls. Norwegian generally stresses the first syllable of the root word in compounds, but in longer compounds, secondary stresses can occur.

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/flɛrˈtɑlsbəˌfɔlknɪŋ/

6. Syllable Breakdown & Rule Application:

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

• fle-: /flɛ/ - Open syllable. Rule: Every vowel initiates a syllable. No exceptions.
• -rt-: /rt/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant clusters can be part of a syllable if they are pronounceable. Exception: The 'r' is often retroflexed in some dialects.
• -alls-: /tɑls/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Vowel followed by consonant(s). Stress falls here.
• -be-: /bə/ - Open syllable. Rule: Every vowel initiates a syllable.
• -folk-: /fɔlk/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Vowel followed by consonant(s).
• -ning: /nɪŋ/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Vowel followed by consonant(s).

7. Edge Case Review:

The 'r' sound in Norwegian can be challenging. It's often retroflexed, especially before certain consonants. This doesn't significantly alter the syllable division, but it affects the phonetic realization.

8. Grammatical Role:

"Flertallsbefolkning" is primarily a noun. Syllabification and stress remain consistent regardless of grammatical context.

9. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: The population consisting of multiple groups or categories.
• Translation: Plural population
• Grammatical Category: Noun (feminine)
• Synonyms: Mangfoldig befolkning (diverse population)
• Antonyms: Homogen befolkning (homogeneous population)
• Examples:
  • "Studien undersøkte flertallsbefolkningens holdninger." (The study examined the plural population's attitudes.)

10. Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations:

Regional variations in vowel pronunciation exist. Some dialects might pronounce /ɔ/ as /o/. This would affect the phonetic transcription but not the syllable division.

11. Phonological Comparison:

• folkeskole (primary school): fol-ke-sko-le - Similar syllable structure with vowel-consonant patterns.
• arbeidsfolk (working people): ar-beids-folk - Demonstrates compound structure and stress on the root.
• befolkningsvekst (population growth): be-folknings-vekst - Similar suffix structure and syllable division.

The differences lie in the specific consonant clusters and vowel qualities, but the underlying syllable division principles remain consistent.