Explanation
A rhythmically organized unit of sound with a peak of sonority, usually centered around a vowel. In the atlas, the term is not treated in isolation: it connects sound structure, rhythm, and perception. This reveals the distinctions the concept enables and how it relates to adjacent phenomena.
Example
“Spra-che” consists of two syllables.
Counterexample
Not every visible group of letters is automatically a syllable.
Distinction
Not every visible group of letters is automatically a syllable.
Effect on thought and perception
The term draws attention to the connection between sound structure, rhythm, and perception. What previously appeared to be a uniform process becomes perceptible as a structured relationship.
Resonance
Resonance arises when a syllable is not merely named but experienced as a movement between form, expectation, and effect.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Syllable“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-088-003. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-088-003The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.