Speech Phonemes The English Vowel Sounds
Vowel Sounds in English Pronunciation
Mastering Vowel Sounds: Articulation and Characteristics in English Pronunciation
Explore the intricacies of vowel sounds in English pronunciation, from their definition and characteristics to the crucial factors of tongue movement, lip shape, and jaw position. Understand the role of these elements in articulating distinct vowel sounds and enhancing your spoken English skills.
- A vowel sound is defined as a speech sound, which is produced in the oral cavity (mouth) without any form of obstruction to the airstream coming from the lungs (vowel).
- All vowel sounds are voiced.
- In the pronunciation of vowel sounds, the vocal cords vibrate to produce the sounds we hear.
- In the study of vowels, three factors are very important. They are:
- The movement of the tongue
- The shape of the lips
- The position of the jaw
- Generally, in the study of spoken English, the most important organ in the oral cavity or mouth used in pronouncing sounds is the tongue.
Evaluation
1. A vowel sound is defined as a speech sound, which is produced in the oral cavity (mouth) without any form of obstruction to the airstream coming from the lungs (vowel). The correct answer is:
a) Consonant
b) Vowel
c) Syllable
d) Plosive
2. All vowel sounds are:
a) Voiceless
b) Voiced
c) Nasal
d) Fricative
3. In the pronunciation of vowel sounds, the vocal cords vibrate to produce the sounds we hear. The correct answer is:
a) Voiceless
b) Voiced
c) Aspirated
d) Dental
4. In the study of vowels, three factors are very important. They are:
1. The movement of the __________.
a) Lips
b) Teeth
c) Jaw
d) Tongue
2. The shape of the __________.
a) Nose
b) Lips
c) Tongue
d) Pharynx
3. The position of the __________.
a) Teeth
b) Jaw
c) Larynx
d) Palate
5. Generally, in the study of spoken English, the most important organ in the oral cavity or mouth used in pronouncing sounds is the __________.
a) Lips
b) Tongue
c) Teeth
d) Palate
6. Vowel sounds are characterized by the absence of obstruction to the airstream. This makes them:
a) Voiced
b) Unvoiced
c) Nasal
d) Glottal
7. The vibration of vocal cords in the production of vowel sounds is a characteristic of:
a) Glottal stops
b) Voiced sounds
c) Voiceless sounds
d) Nasal sounds
8. The movement of the tongue in the study of vowels is crucial. It involves the interaction of the tongue with the:
a) Uvula
b) Teeth
c) Alveolar ridge
d) Hard palate
9. When considering the shape of the lips in the study of vowels, it is related to the concept of:
a) Bilabial
b) Dental
c) Labiodental
d) Alveolar
10. In the study of spoken English, the shape of the lips influences the production of sounds. This includes:
a) Rounded
b) Spread
c) Protruded
d) Receded
11. The position of the jaw plays a crucial role in the articulation of vowel sounds. It involves the opening and closing of the:
a) Mandible
b) Maxilla
c) Temporal bone
d) Nasal bone
12. The study of vowels includes examining the movement of the tongue, the shape of the lips, and the position of the jaw, collectively known as:
a) Phonetics
b) Articulation
c) Syntax
d) Semantics
13. The oral cavity’s role in pronunciation extends beyond vowels; it also influences the production of:
a) Plosives
b) Fricatives
c) Affricates
d) Liquids
14. The tongue’s movement is crucial in vowel articulation and is categorized as:
a) Labialization
b) Velarization
c) Gliding
d) Lingualization
15. In spoken English, the primary organ responsible for articulating sounds is the:
a) Teeth
b) Lips
c) Tongue
d) Palate
Speech Work :Aural Discrimination sounds (/t/) and (/θ/) Primary 4 Second Term Week 8