The Syllable

A syllable is a basic unit of pronunciation within a word, typically consisting of a vowel sound or a vowel sound combined with surrounding consonants. It serves as a building block of words, helping to break speech into manageable parts for easier pronunciation and rhythm. For example, the word "banana" has three syllables: ba-na-na. Syllables influence the flow and stress of words, and understanding them aids in pronunciation, spelling, poetry, and language learning. Essentially, a syllable is a single, uninterrupted sound segment that makes up parts of words.