Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following features distinguishes vowel sounds from consonant sounds?
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?
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'?
Based on the provided information, which phonetic transcription represents a diphthong found in the word 'sigh'?
- [É‘ÊŠ]
- [ɔɪ]
- [eɪ]
- [aɪ] (correct)
Which word contains a 'high, front' vowel sound based on the position of the tongue?
Which word contains a 'high, front' vowel sound based on the position of the tongue?
What is a common characteristic of diphthong pronunciation in Southern British English compared to North American English?
What is a common characteristic of diphthong pronunciation in Southern British English compared to North American English?
According to the vowel chart, which of these vowels is considered a 'low, back' vowel?
According to the vowel chart, which of these vowels is considered a 'low, back' vowel?
According to the information provided, which of the following words contains the diphthong transcribed as [oÊŠ]?
According to the information provided, which of the following words contains the diphthong transcribed as [oÊŠ]?
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?
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?
Which of the following words contains the central vowel [ʌ]?
Which of the following words contains the central vowel [ʌ]?
Which set of words contains only front vowels?
Which set of words contains only front vowels?
Based on the provided table, which of the following transcriptions represents the pronunciation of the word 'pair' in American English?
Based on the provided table, which of the following transcriptions represents the pronunciation of the word 'pair' in American English?
What happens to the vocal organs during the production of diphthongs?
What happens to the vocal organs during the production of diphthongs?
The diphthongs [aɪ] and [ɑʊ] are sometimes represented with a glide. What alternative representations might be used?
The diphthongs [aɪ] and [ɑʊ] are sometimes represented with a glide. What alternative representations might be used?
What is the movement of the vocal organs in the diphthong [ar], as in 'Hi'?
What is the movement of the vocal organs in the diphthong [ar], as in 'Hi'?
Which of the following words contains the diphthong [ɔɪ]?
Which of the following words contains the diphthong [ɔɪ]?
What does the provided information suggest about the vowel sounds in caught and cot for some speakers of English?
What does the provided information suggest about the vowel sounds in caught and cot for some speakers of English?
Flashcards
Vowel Sounds
Vowel Sounds
Vowel sounds are produced with a free flow of air and are typically voiced.
Place of Articulation
Place of Articulation
The position in the mouth where sounds are made, categorized as front vs. back and high vs. low.
High Front Vowels
High Front Vowels
Vowel sounds made with the tongue raised at the front of the mouth, like in 'heat' and 'hit'.
Low Back Vowels
Low Back Vowels
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Vowel Chart
Vowel Chart
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Diphthongs
Diphthongs
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Central Vowels
Central Vowels
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Front Vowels Examples
Front Vowels Examples
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[aɪ] diphthong
[aɪ] diphthong
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[É‘ÊŠ] diphthong
[É‘ÊŠ] diphthong
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[eɪ] diphthong
[eɪ] diphthong
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[oÊŠ] diphthong
[oÊŠ] diphthong
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American vs British diphthongs
American vs British diphthongs
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Vowel sound variation
Vowel sound variation
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Schwa [É™]
Schwa [É™]
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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 [É›].
- 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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