How Many Syllables In Bilingual?
3syllables
Bilingual has 3 syllables, bi-ling-ual. It is a trisyllabic word.
bilingual
/baɪˈlɪŋ.ɡwəl/ UK /baɪˈlɪŋ.ɡwəl/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, ling.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/CCVC
Division By Sound
/baɪ.lɪŋ.ɡwəl/
Division By Letters
bi-ling-ual
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Bilingual
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | b | aɪ | – | CV | open |
| 2 primary stress | l | ɪ | ŋ | CVC | closed |
| 3 | ɡw | ə | l | CCVC | closed |
Why Bilingual Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /ŋ/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in bilingual?
Bilingual has 3 syllables, bi-ling-ual. In British English it is transcribed /baɪˈlɪŋ.ɡwəl/.
Which syllable is stressed in bilingual?
The second syllable, ling, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of bilingual?
Bilingual has the structure CV/CVC/CCVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide bilingual into syllables?
By sound, baɪ.lɪŋ.ɡwəl. By letters, as a spelling guide, bi-ling-ual.