English Phonetics and Phonology - Week 6: Vowel Theory

Introduction: Hello everyone and welcome to the Week 6 of the course English Phonetics and Pholology for the Bachelor's in English Teaching at ULACIT term IIIC 2023. 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.

Today's Goals: 

• Review theory related to the English vowel system.
• Isolate individual vowel sounds in English words.
• Differentiate between vowel phonemes that are spelled with the same letter.
• Begin transcriptions of consonants and vowels.

Guiding Questions: 

• What is a vowel?
• How can English vowels be classified and described?

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 Link: 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 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?

• Study Guide Answer Key: CLICK HERE

Task 3:/eksˈplɔrɪŋ 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 Link: CLICK HERE