How Many Syllables In Nigerian?
4syllables
Nigerian has 4 syllables, ni-ge-ri-an. It is a polysyllabic word.
nigerian
/naɪˈdʒɪə.ri.ən/ UK /naɪˈdʒɪr.i.ən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, ge.
Syllable Structure
CV/CV/CV/VC
Division By Sound
/naɪ.dʒɪə.ri.ən/
Division By Letters
ni-ge-ri-an
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Nigerian
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | n | aɪ | – | CV | open |
| 2 primary stress | dʒ | ɪə | – | CV | open |
| 3 | r | i | – | CV | open |
| 4 | – | ə | n | VC | closed |
Why Nigerian Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /dʒ/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /r/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Two vowels meet between syllables 3 and 4, so syllable 4 has no onset.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in Nigerian?
Nigerian has 4 syllables, ni-ge-ri-an. In British English it is transcribed /naɪˈdʒɪə.ri.ən/.
Which syllable is stressed in Nigerian?
The second syllable, ge, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of Nigerian?
Nigerian has the structure CV/CV/CV/VC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide Nigerian into syllables?
By sound, naɪ.dʒɪə.ri.ən. By letters, as a spelling guide, ni-ge-ri-an.