DIPHTHONGS
A diphthong is a vowel sound
containing two element, during
the articulation of which the
tongue, jaws, and lips change
their position.
Remember!
The first element is
much
longer
and
stronger
than
the
second.
1
The
first element in (ei) is produced
with the jaws closer together than
for the monophthong (e).
Examples
eight
gate
mate
date
late
pain
The
2
first element in (ai) is produced
with the jaws farther apart than the
vowel (æ). The second element is
extremely short.
Examples
my
reply
wine
nine rive
climb
3
The
first element in (ei) is produced
with the jaws far apart and the lips
are openly rounded.
Examples
noise
boil
appointment
annoy
enjoy
oyster
4
The
first element is the same as in
“bird” but shorter.
Examples
no
coat
holy
coast
code
road
5
Be
sure that the (a) is not
pronounced with a too “dark” a.
Examples
now
crown
fountain
foul
brown
doubt
The
6
first element is similar to the
vowel (i) in “bid”. The jaws should
be too close together nor lips too
tensely spread. Jaws open slightly.
Examples
beer
cheers
dear
fear
here
peer
7
The
first element is more open than
the vowel (e) in “bed”. The jaws are
quite apart and the lips are laxly
spread. same as in “bird” but shorter.
Examples
bear
dare
hair
chairs
fare
mare
8
This
diphthong is a combination of
the two vowels already described.
Examples
tour
pure during
sure
cure newer
curious