Diphthong is a sound that consists
of a movement from one vowel to another, there are 8 diphthongs in English. First part of diphthong is longer than the
second part. For example in a word "eye" there is a diphthong aɪ and only the last quarter of the
diphthong does the ɪ glide to become noticeable. As the glide to ɪ happens, the loudness of the word
decreases. Therefore, foreign speakers should remember not to make the last
part of diphthong too strongly.
Closing diphthongs are
gliding ones and end with a closed vowel ɪ/ʊ. The first element is longer and very easier
recognised, whereas the second´s shorter and terminates the whole diphthong.
eɪ (mate) aɪ (buy) ɔɪ (boy) əʊ (no)
aʊ (now)
Centring diphthongs end
with a central vowel schwa
Triphthongs
They are composed of closing diphthong and schwa pronounced
in only very slow and accurate speech. Triphthongs are the most complex English
sounds of the vowel type. They might be difficult to pronounce and to
recognise. It is basically a glide from one vowel to another one and then to
third. All are produced rapidly and without interruption. The main problem for
foreign speakers today is that in present-day English the extent of the vowel movement
is very small, except in very careful pronunciation.
eɪə (layer) aɪə (liar) ɔɪə (lawyer) əʊə (lower) aʊə (power)
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