However, the way these vowels are pronounced can vary greatly depending on the word they're in and the surrounding letters. This is why we have different vowel sounds. Here's a breakdown:
1. Monophthongs: These are single, pure vowel sounds.
* Short Vowels: Think of the "a" in "cat," "e" in "bed," "i" in "pig," "o" in "hot," and "u" in "cup." These are usually short and quick.
* Long Vowels: These are often pronounced like the vowels in their names: "A" as in "say," "E" as in "see," "I" as in "pie," "O" as in "go," and "U" as in "cube."
2. Diphthongs: These are vowel sounds that involve a gliding movement from one vowel sound to another within the same syllable.
* Examples: "oi" in "boy," "ow" in "cow," "au" in "house," "ey" in "say," "ay" in "day."
3. Triphthongs: These are vowel sounds made up of three vowel sounds.
* Examples: "iou" in "fire," "air" in "hair"
Beyond these, there are other factors that influence vowel pronunciation, like stress and the position of the vowel in the word.
Let me know if you'd like more detail on any of these aspects!