sillàbica

Sillàbica is a term used in poetry and linguistics to refer to a system of versification based on the syllable as the fundamental unit of rhythm. In syllabic verse, the meter is determined by the number of syllables in each line, rather than by the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables as in accentual-syllabic verse, or by the number of stresses as in accentual verse. This type of meter is prevalent in many Romance languages, including Italian, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, where the natural rhythm of speech often lends itself to syllable counting.

The origins of syllabic verse can be traced back to classical antiquity, though its prominence grew significantly in medieval European poetry. For example, Italian poetry from the Duecento and Trecento, such as the works of Dante Alighieri, often employs syllabic meters like the hendecasyllable (eleven syllables) and the octave (eight syllables). Similarly, French poetry has historically relied heavily on syllabic counts, with the alexandrine (twelve syllables) being a particularly iconic form. Spanish poetry also features prominent syllabic forms, such as the octosyllable.

While English poetry is predominantly accentual-syllabic, there are instances of syllabic verse, particularly in modern and contemporary poetry, where poets may deliberately adopt a syllabic approach to achieve specific rhythmic effects. The challenge in syllabic verse lies in the accurate counting of syllables, which can sometimes be complicated by elision and synalepha (the merging of vowels at word boundaries). Despite these complexities, syllabic verse remains a significant poetic tradition, offering a distinct approach to the musicality and structure of language.