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Anonymous Posted 12 years ago
Speech & Pronunciation
Syllabication of words with a double consonant
We learn that we should break a word, that contains a double consonant, up between the two consonants. e.g. bot / tle, however this is not how we say it. We say bo-ttle not bot-tle. This is widespread, but it doesn't accurately indicate how the word should be pronounced. It is also very misleading to non-native English speakers.
Can anyone tell me the rational behind this rule?
The only reason I can think of is we do this to ensure that the first vowel is short (closed syllable). If this is indeed the case, it is still misleading and it would be better to teach students that the double consonants make the preceding vowel short.
Thank you
Can anyone tell me the rational behind this rule?
The only reason I can think of is we do this to ensure that the first vowel is short (closed syllable). If this is indeed the case, it is still misleading and it would be better to teach students that the double consonants make the preceding vowel short.
Thank you
Top answer
I believe the rule was developed at the time of actual typing and setting type. The question is virtually unnecessary with computer printing.
- I believe the rule was developed at the time of actual typing and setting type.
- The question is virtually unnecessary with computer printing.
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2 Answers
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I believe the rule was developed at the time of actual typing and setting type. The question is virtually unnecessary with computer printing.
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English spelling rules by and large reflect late Middle English / early Modern English pronunciation (late 15th century / early 16th century). At the time double consonants were still pronounced in both syllables as they still are in modern Swedish or modern Italian, for example.
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