* Different sources define diphthongs differently. Some include only true diphthongs (where both sounds are distinct and easily recognizable), while others include "near-diphthongs" where the sound is closer to a monophthong but still involves a slight glide.
* English pronunciation varies regionally. A diphthong in one dialect might not be considered a diphthong in another.
Here are some commonly cited figures:
* 8-10: This is a typical range for the "true" diphthongs with distinct glides, such as /aɪ/ (like in "bike"), /aʊ/ (like in "house"), and /ɔɪ/ (like in "boy").
* 12-15: This range often includes "near-diphthongs" or "falling diphthongs", such as /eɪ/ (like in "late"), /oʊ/ (like in "go"), and /ɪə/ (like in "ear").
Ultimately, the specific number of diphthongs depends on your chosen definition and how broadly you interpret them.