resyllabification

Resyllabification is a phonological process that occurs in spoken language where the syllable structure of a word is altered due to its position in a sentence or its connection with adjacent words. This is a common phenomenon in natural speech and is distinct from the underlying lexical syllabification of a word in isolation.

The primary driver of resyllabification is the principle of maintaining a preferred syllable structure, often favoring open syllables (those ending in a vowel) in many languages. When a word that ends in a consonant is followed by a word that begins with a vowel, the final consonant of the first word may be moved to the beginning of the following syllable. This creates an open syllable at the end of the first word and a more typical onset consonant for the second word. For example, in English, the phrase "pick it up" might be resyllabified as if it were "pic-kit-up," where the /k/ moves to the next syllable.

Conversely, if a word ending in a vowel is followed by a word beginning with a consonant, a resyllabification might occur where the final vowel of the first word is treated as part of a closed syllable, or the consonant of the second word is moved to the preceding syllable. This can sometimes lead to gemination or assimilation effects.

Resyllabification is a crucial aspect of fluent speech and is often learned implicitly by native speakers. It contributes to the smooth flow of connected speech and can be a factor in phonological adaptation, such as in language acquisition and the speech patterns of second-language learners. The specific rules and tendencies of resyllabification vary significantly across different languages and dialects.