consonantcoda

Consonantcoda is the term used in phonology to denote the consonant or consonant cluster that appears in the coda of a syllable. The coda, together with the onset and nucleus, forms the core structure of a syllable; a common representation is (onset) + nucleus + coda. In languages with open syllables, codas are absent, while languages with closed syllables permit a coda.

The inventory of possible consonants in the coda varies by language. Some languages allow only a single consonant as the coda, others permit clusters. Phonotactics often constrain which codas are permissible and how they interact with the preceding vowel. For example, many languages disallow certain consonant clusters at the end or restrict coda consonants by place or manner of articulation.

Coda position can influence syllable weight, stress patterns, and vowel quality. In some languages, codas are associated with coda reduction or final-devoicing; in others they may affect vowel length or nasalization in the following syllable. Some languages exhibit coda alternations in morphology or phonology, such as consonants that alter or disappear in certain environments.

In typology, codas are a key feature distinguishing syllable types across languages. Languages like Hawaiian are often cited as having no codas, whereas others allow a variety of coda realizations, including single consonants and more complex clusters. The study of consonantcoda thus concerns the allowed post-nucleus consonants, their phonetic realization, and their interaction with word structure and phonological processes.