Gebretnsaie Kidanemaryam Weldeslassie2025-12-112025-11-25https://repository.mu.edu.et/handle/123456789/1090This study explores how syllables are formed in Tigrinya, focusing on the soundsystem that shapes its pronunciation. The language makes use of different studiesidentified different number of phonems based on the dialect .Based on my datathereare23consonantphonemes and 7 vowel phonemes, which mainly combineto create CV and CVC syllable patterns. Tigrinya generally avoids complicatedconsonant clusters, and when such clusters occur—especially through wordformation or borrowing—the language uses an epenthetic vowel to break them up.This inserted vowel helps maintain smooth and natural pronunciation and keepssyllables within preferred patterns. The findings show that syllable structure inTigrinya is highly systematic and guided by clear phonotactic rules. Overall, thestudy highlights how Tigrinya maintains a balance between its rich consonantalsystem and a relatively simple set of syllable shapes, offering insight into thesound patterns of Ethio-Semitic languages. Tigrinya; syllable structure; phonology; consonant inventory; vowel system; CV pattern; CVC pattern; epenthesis;phonotactics; Ethio-Semitic languagesenThesis