Hyphenation ofsamfunnsproblem

Norwegian Word Analysis: samfunnsproblem

1. Examination & Pronunciation:

The word "samfunnsproblem" is a compound noun in Norwegian, meaning "social problem". It's pronounced with relatively straightforward vowel and consonant sounds, though the 'n' sounds can be challenging for non-native speakers due to their frequent occurrence and potential for velarization.

2. Syllable Division:

Following Norwegian syllable division rules, which generally favor maximizing onsets (consonant clusters at the beginning of a syllable), the word breaks down as follows (using only the original letters):

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• sam-: Prefix, originating from Old Norse, meaning "together" or "with". Morphological function: compounding.
• funn-: Root, originating from Old Norse fundr, meaning "finding, discovery". In this context, it relates to societal conditions. Morphological function: core meaning.
• -sproblem: Suffix, borrowed from German Problem (ultimately from Greek próblēma), meaning "problem". Morphological function: denotes the type of issue.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the second syllable: funn. Norwegian generally stresses the first syllable of a compound word, but in longer compounds, stress can shift to the second syllable.

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/ˈsɑm.fʊnː.spro.blɛm/

6. Edge Case Review:

Norwegian allows for some flexibility in syllable division, particularly with consonant clusters. However, the proposed division aligns with the principle of maximizing onsets and avoiding syllable-final consonant clusters where possible.

7. Grammatical Role:

"Samfunnsproblem" functions primarily as a noun. Syllabification and stress remain consistent regardless of its grammatical context within a sentence.

8. Definition & Semantics:

• Word: samfunnsproblem
• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter)
• Definitions:
  • "A problem affecting society."
  • Translation: "Social problem"
• Synonyms: sosialt problem, samfunnsutfordring (societal challenge)
• Antonyms: (Difficult to define a direct antonym, but potentially) samfunnsløsning (societal solution)
• Examples:
  • "Arbeidsledighet er et stort samfunnsproblem." (Unemployment is a major social problem.)
  • "Vi må finne løsninger på dette samfunnsproblemet." (We must find solutions to this social problem.)

9. Phonological Comparison:

• samfunnskritikk (social critique): sam-funns-krit-ikk. Similar syllable structure, stress on the second syllable.
• samfunnsengasjement (social engagement): sam-funns-en-gasj-e-ment. Again, similar structure, stress on the second syllable.
• problemstilling (problem statement): pro-blem-stil-ling. Different root, but similar suffix and syllable structure. Stress on the second syllable.

The consistency in stress placement on the second syllable in these compounds reinforces the rule for longer Norwegian compounds.

10. Division Rules:

• Onset Maximization: Consonant clusters are generally kept together at the beginning of a syllable (e.g., spro-).
• Avoidance of Syllable-Final Consonant Clusters: Norwegian prefers to avoid ending syllables with consonant clusters.
• Vowel as Syllable Nucleus: Each syllable must contain a vowel sound.

11. Special Considerations:

The double 'n' in funn can be pronounced with slight velarization in some dialects, but this doesn't affect the syllable division. Regional variations in vowel pronunciation might exist, but the core syllable structure remains consistent.

12. Short Analysis:

"Samfunnsproblem" is a compound noun meaning "social problem". It is divided into four syllables: sam-funn-spro-blem, with stress on the second syllable (funn). The word is composed of a prefix (sam-), a root (funn-), and a suffix (-sproblem). Syllable division follows Norwegian rules of onset maximization and avoiding syllable-final consonant clusters.