7 Questions
What distinguishes vowels from consonants?
The unimpeded flow of air through the vocal tract
How are vowels described in English?
By their tongue position, height, soft palate position, and lip opening
How many monophthongs are there in English?
Twelve
Which of the following is a short vowel sound in English?
/ɛ:/
What is the difference between a monophthong and a diphthong?
The number of vowel sounds
Which of the following is a triphthong in English?
/aʊə/
What is the tongue position for producing the short vowel sound /ʌ/?
Raising the back of the tongue
Study Notes
Understanding Vowel Sounds in English
- Vowels are distinguished from consonants by the unimpeded flow of air through the vocal tract.
- Vowels are produced with slight tongue and lip movements and without a complete or narrowing of the vocal tract.
- Vowels are described by criteria such as tongue position, height, soft palate position, and lip opening.
- English vowel sounds are classified into monophthongs (pure vowels), diphthongs (impure vowels), and triphthongs.
- The twelve monophthongs in English are further divided into two groups: short vowels (lax) and long vowels (tense).
- The seven short vowel sounds in English are /i/, /e/, /u/, /əe/, /ə/, /ɔ/, and /ʌ/.
- The five long vowel sounds in English are /i:/, /a:/, /ɔ:/, /u:/, and /ɛ:/.
- /I:/ is a long vowel sound produced by raising the front of the tongue towards the hard palate.
- /i/ is a short vowel sound produced by raising the front of the tongue towards the hard palate, with the middle part of the tongue slightly higher than half-closed position.
- /a:/ is a long vowel sound produced by lowering the middle of the tongue and the lips in a neutral position.
- /ɔ/ is a short vowel sound produced by articulating with the back of the tongue, slightly open jam, and slightly raised middle of the tongue.
- /ʌ/ is a short vowel sound produced by raising the back of the tongue, leaving the lips difficult for most Nigerians.
Test your knowledge on English vowel sounds with this quiz! Learn about the different criteria used to describe vowels, the classification of monophthongs and diphthongs, and the distinctions between short and long vowels. Put your knowledge to the test by identifying the correct sounds based on their descriptions. Improve your English pronunciation and communication skills with this fun and informative quiz.
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