English Phonetics and Phonology: Vowels in Detail

Introduction: This week we will continue our study of the English vowel system by focusing on the subtle but fundamental difference between /ə/, /ʌ/, /ɝ/, and /ɚ/. Follow your professor's instructions to complete the tasks below.

Task 1: /fɪks ðʌ mɛst ʌp ˈjɪrbʊk/

Let's start by completing these exercises to review the vowels sounds that we already know. Click on your group link and follow the instructions in the document. 

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

Task 2: /hændz ɑn præktɪs/

We have many vowel sounds and symbols to learn. The best way to get better at this is to practice. Open your group document below and complete the tasks with your partners. 

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

References: Many of the exercises in the practice section were adapted from "English Pronunciation Made Simple" and some content was used from "Teaching North American English Pronunciation".

Clark, R. & Yorkey, R. (2011). Teaching North American English Pronunciation. Pro Lingua Associates.

Dale, P. & Poms, L. (2005). English Pronunciation Made Simple. Pearson Education.