What type of syllable is the 'ə' classified as?

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Prepare for the UCF SPA3112 Basic Phonetics Midterm Exam. Study effectively with flashcards, multiple-choice questions, and in-depth explanations. Get exam-ready now!

The 'ə' sound, known as a schwa, is commonly found in unstressed syllables in English. It is characterized by its central vowel quality and is the most neutral vowel sound, often occurring in quick, unstressed pronunciations of words. When a syllable contains the schwa vowel, it typically does not carry emphasis and is pronounced more softly compared to stressed syllables. This is a key feature that distinguishes it from stressed syllables, which are pronounced with greater intensity and clarity. In phonetics, understanding the nature of schwa and its role within syllable structure is essential for analyzing speech patterns and stress placements in language.