English Phonetics and Phonology: Vowel Theory

Introduction: This week we will begin our study of the English vowel system reviewing relevant theory from your assigned reading and doing several activities to become aware of the subtle differences between the 17 vowel sounds in General American English. Follow your professor's instructions to complete the tasks below.

Task 1: /wʌt dʌz ðæt spɛl?/

Let's start with a little game. Click on your group link below and follow the instructions in the document.

• Group 1: CLICK HERE 
• Group 2: CLICK HERE 
• Group 3: CLICK HERE 
• Group 4: CLICK HERE 

Need some help? CLICK HERE to check the answer key!

Task 2: /ˈvæwəl ˈθiɚi rɛˈvju/

Vowels are more difficult to describe and teach than consonants. We will take some time in a moment to go over the most important information from the study guide, but first, discuss the answers to these questions with your partners.

• What did you think about the chapter you read for this week? What it challenging? Why?
• Was it easy for you to complete the study guide? Did it help you understand the content of the chapter in a better way?
• What is a vowel? How is it different from a consonant?
• What are some ways that consonants can be classified? Can vowels be classified in the same ways? If so, how? If not, what is different?
• What was that strange shape that we saw in the chapter called a vowel chart? How is it organized? What does it mean?
• What is the difference between a strong and a weak vowel?
• What about a checked versus an unchecked vowel?
• What is a diphthong? Can you give an example? Are there any diphthongs in Spanish?
• Do you remember any of the IPA symbols for English vowels? Which are easier for you to remember? Which are more difficult?

Task 3:/eksˈplɔɪŋ ðʌ ˈvæwəl speɪs/

Now you have reviewed the theory with your teacher and classmates. Let's spend some time exploring the ways that English vowels work. Click on your group link below and follow the instructions in the document. 

• Group 1: CLICK HERE
• Group 2: CLICK HERE
• Group 3: CLICK HERE
• Group 4: CLICK HERE