Vowel Sounds and Articulation
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following features distinguishes vowel sounds from consonant sounds?

  • Consonant sounds are produced with a relatively free flow of air, while vowel sounds involve significant constriction.
  • Consonant sounds are typically voiced, while vowel sounds are voiceless.
  • Vowel sounds are produced with a relatively free flow of air, while consonant sounds involve some obstruction. (correct)
  • Vowel sounds are produced with significant obstruction of airflow in the vocal tract, while consonant sounds are not.

    • How are vowel sounds classified based on the position of the tongue?

  • By contrasting front versus back and high versus low positions of the tongue in the mouth. (correct)
  • By determining if the sound is voiced or voiceless.
  • By measuring the decibel level of the sound produced.
  • By evaluating the position of the larynx during articulation.

    • Based on the provided information, which phonetic transcription represents a diphthong found in the word 'sigh'?

  • [ɑʊ]
  • [ɔɪ]
  • [eɪ]
  • [aɪ] (correct)

    • Which word contains a 'high, front' vowel sound based on the position of the tongue?

    <p>Heat (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common characteristic of diphthong pronunciation in Southern British English compared to North American English?

    <p>Southern British English typically omits the final [r] sound. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the vowel chart, which of these vowels is considered a 'low, back' vowel?

    <p>[ɑ] (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the information provided, which of the following words contains the diphthong transcribed as [oʊ]?

    <p>Home (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of subtle individual variation in vowel sounds, what guidance is given for transcribing the central vowels schwa [ə] and wedge [ʌ] if a speaker does not make a significant distinction between them?

    <p>Use schwa [ə]. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following words contains the central vowel [ʌ]?

    <p>Butt (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which set of words contains only front vowels?

    <p>me, dead, bad (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Based on the provided table, which of the following transcriptions represents the pronunciation of the word 'pair' in American English?

    <p>[peɪr] (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the vocal organs during the production of diphthongs?

    <p>The vocal organs move from one vocalic position to another. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The diphthongs [aɪ] and [ɑʊ] are sometimes represented with a glide. What alternative representations might be used?

    <p>[aj] and [aw] (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the movement of the vocal organs in the diphthong [ar], as in 'Hi'?

    <p>From low toward high front. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following words contains the diphthong [ɔɪ]?

    <p>boy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the provided information suggest about the vowel sounds in caught and cot for some speakers of English?

    <p>They are pronounced the same using [a]. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Vowel Sounds

    Vowel sounds are produced with a free flow of air and are typically voiced.

    Place of Articulation

    The position in the mouth where sounds are made, categorized as front vs. back and high vs. low.

    High Front Vowels

    Vowel sounds made with the tongue raised at the front of the mouth, like in 'heat' and 'hit'.

    Low Back Vowels

    Vowel sounds produced with the tongue lower and towards the back, such as in 'hat' and 'hot'.

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    Vowel Chart

    A visual tool that categorizes vowel sounds by their position and height in the mouth.

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    Diphthongs

    Complex vowel sounds produced by combining two vowel sounds, such as [ar] in 'Hi' or 'Bye'.

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    Central Vowels

    Vowel sounds produced in the center of the mouth, including sounds like [ə] in 'support'.

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    Front Vowels Examples

    Examples include [i] as in 'bead' and [ɛ] as in 'bed'.

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    [aɪ] diphthong

    Pronounced like in 'buy', 'eye', and 'my'.

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    [ɑʊ] diphthong

    Pronounced like in 'bough', 'doubt', and 'cow'.

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    [eɪ] diphthong

    Pronounced like in 'bait', 'eight', and 'great'.

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    [oʊ] diphthong

    Pronounced like in 'boat', 'home', and 'owe'.

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    American vs British diphthongs

    Different pronunciations of some diphthongs between American and British English.

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    Vowel sound variation

    Differences in vowel pronunciation across English accents.

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    Schwa [ə]

    The relaxed vowel sound in unstressed syllables, like in 'sofa'.

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    Study Notes

    Vowels

    • Vowel sounds are produced with a relatively unobstructed airflow, unlike consonants.
    • Vowel sounds are typically voiced.
    • Vowel articulation is influenced by tongue position (front/back, high/low).
    • Higher front vowels have the tongue raised and positioned forward in the mouth, as in "heat," or "hit"
    • Lower back vowels have the tongue lowered and positioned back in the mouth, as in "hot."
    • A vowel chart (Table 3.4) can be used to classify vowel sounds in English.

    Vowel Chart

    • The chart depicts vowel sounds based on their tongue positions.
    • There are front, central, and back vowel positions.
    • Vowels are also classified by height (high, mid, low).
    • Examples of front vowels include "bead, beef, key, me"
    • Examples of central vowels include "above, oven, support"
    • Examples of back vowels include "boo, move, two, you"
    • Includes examples for each category.

    Diphthongs

    • Diphthongs are combinations of two vowel sounds.
    • They involve a movement from one vocalic position (e.g., low front) to another (e.g.,high front) as in "Hi," or "Bye"
    • Diphthong articulation has a glide or transition between one vowel to the other (potentially using [j] or [w])
    • There is a distinction between the vowels in "caught" and "cot", as well as "pet" and [ɛ].
    • Speakers use vowel sounds differently across language or social groups/status.
    • American English and British English diphthong pronunciation may differ.
    • Examples of diphthongs are [ai], [au], [er], and [ou].

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    Phonetics (Vowels Only) PDF - George Yule

    Description

    This quiz explores vowel sounds and their articulation, focusing on the position and height of vowels in English. It also covers diphthongs and their characteristics. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of phonetics.

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