Topic 7 – Phonological system of the english language i: vowels. Phonetic symbols. Weak and strong forms. Diphthongs. Comparison with the language of your community

Topic 7 – Phonological system of the english language i: vowels. Phonetic symbols. Weak and strong forms. Diphthongs. Comparison with the language of your community

Diphthongs are single syllables and therefore consist of a single impulse of breath. Diphthongs are defined as glides, that is, a quick transition between two vowels.

All English diphthongs are falling, since the first element is always more prominent than the second.

Diphthongs can be divided in closing and centring diphthongs.

Closing diphthongs:

Glides to I:

eI FADE

aI LIE

oI BOY

glides to U

əu KNOW

au DOWN

centring diphthongs:

glides to ə

iə BEER

eə BEAR

uə POOR

TRIPHTHONGS

eiə LAYER PLAYER

aiə FIRE

oiə LAWYER

əuə LOwER

auə FLOwER SHOwER