Syllabication

As mentioned in the introduction, haiku is perhaps the shortest form of poetry. Traditional Japanese Haiku consists of a set syllabication pattern of only 17 beats. (Syllable, what's a syllable? Feeling rusty?  Go through this syllable review .)

The Japanese language is particularly suited to patterns with 5 and 7 syllables. Remember the Renga with its 5/7/5 -7/7 pattern? Even "keep off the grass" signs are often composed in 5 or 7 syllable formats. Some aspect of their language makes this beat a mnemonic aid (a memorization aid). When the western world discovered haiku they initially copied this pattern. Many believe; however, that more information can be conveyed in 17 English syllables than in 17 Japanese symbols. From this, many poets gave up traditional form and began writing "free verse" haiku of fewer syllables. Also, translators often sacrifice syllabication rules for poetic meaning when translating haiku to English. Even traditionalists in both Japanese and English languages have occasionally bent the 5/7/5 pattern. For beginner poets it is easier to stick with this formal pattern until you become more familiar with composing haiku then you may begin experimenting with free verse.

Regardless of the syllabication pattern haiku typically has a three line form, although this rule has been broken as well!

Read the following poems and decide if they follow the traditional format. Ask yourself

• Are there three lines?
• Count the syllables, are there 17?
• Are they broken into the 5/7/5 pattern?

2. Are they broken into the 5/7/5 pattern?
yes
no
cannot tell

3. For Haiku 2 Count the syllables, are there 17?
more than 17
exactly 17
less than 17

4. Are they broken into the 5/7/5 pattern?
yes
no
cannot tell

5. For Haiku 3 Count the syllables, are there 17?
more than 17
exactly 17
less than 17

6. Are they broken into the 5/7/5 pattern?
yes
no
cannot tell

7. For Haiku 4 Count the syllables, are there 17?
more than 17
exactly 17
less than 17

8. Are they broken into the 5/7/5 pattern?
yes
no
cannot tell

Score = 
Correct answers:

 
 

ASSIGNMENT!! Now that you have reviewed the concept of "syllables" and learned that traditional haiku are composed of 17 syllables shaped into three lines of 5, 7, and 5 lines respectively, let's practice working with such strict syllable structure!

• Tell the class about yourself but restrict your description to 17 syllables. (This can be harder than it appears.)
• Think of key words about yourself or things you would like to share.
• Shape them into the 5/7/5 three line syllabication pattern.
• If you are having trouble fitting a particular word try synonyms that will convey the same meaning.
• If you are ever in doubt as to the number of syllables ('orange" once stumped me), a dictionary is an invaluable resource.
• You do not have to use your name in the exercise but be sure to put your name on your posting.
• Be sure to read about your fellow students!!

Now you try! Come up with a mini-description of yourself and post it to the threaded discussion group .