Syllable, Word, Nexus, Cursus

Despite its title, the syllable is the basic notion of this book, which is based on phonological arguments, notably those of S. Saumjan (See "Die Zweistufentheorie der Phonologie im Licht der modernenen Wissenschaft" (The Two Level Theory of Phonology in the Light of Modern Science), Phonetica 1967, 16, 121-142.). According to Pulgram, the syllable must be defined in its own terms--i.e., not on the basis of its phonetic character but in "emic" terms. The syllable is described as being "sign" segments conveying meaning, rather than as "figura" segments, which serve only to constitute the meaning of signs. In the 2nd chapter, "word," "nexus," & "cursus" are defined. All these categories have phonetic boundary markers; only the cursus has positive phonological markers, namely, pauses. Examples of cursus & nexus languages are given. Chapter 3 is entitled "The Syllable as a Subunit of the Section"; "section" refers to a culminator that unites syllable, nexus, & cursus. Making the section the subject of syllabation is Pulgram's innovation. In the 4th chapter, the rules of syllabation are discussed. The last chapter deals variously with word, cursus, & nexus languages, permissible & non-permissible clusters & sequences, geminates, & syllabation & disjuncture. Pulgram's classification of languages is descriptive. In his view, most languages are nexus languages--cursus languages are rare, & there are no pure word languages. The readers are expected to derive their own conclusions from the abundant examples. The central idea of the work is that the syllable is universal, but that each language has its own rules of syllabation. This book is a challenging phonological account of the syllable. D. Burkenroad