What sounds do vowels make?

Vowels are the building blocks of spoken language, and they are characterized by their open vocal tract, allowing air to flow freely. They are generally classified by the position of the tongue and the shape of the mouth. Here's a breakdown of the sounds vowels make:

General Description:

* Open Sound: Vowel sounds are produced with an open mouth, allowing air to flow freely.

* No Obstruction: Unlike consonants, vowels don't involve any obstruction of the airflow in the mouth.

* Sound Variation: The specific sound of a vowel depends on the position of the tongue and the shape of the mouth.

Key Vowel Sounds:

* Front Vowels: The tongue is positioned towards the front of the mouth, creating sounds like:

* i: as in "see" (high and front)

* e: as in "bed" (mid-high and front)

* æ: as in "cat" (low and front)

* Back Vowels: The tongue is positioned towards the back of the mouth, creating sounds like:

* u: as in "food" (high and back)

* o: as in "go" (mid-high and back)

* ɑ: as in "father" (low and back)

* Central Vowels: The tongue is positioned in the center of the mouth, creating sounds like:

* ʌ: as in "cup" (mid-central)

* ə: as in "about" (very short and central)

Remember:

* The exact sound of a vowel can vary slightly depending on the language, dialect, and the surrounding consonants.

* Vowel sounds are often modified in connected speech, leading to a range of subtle changes and variations.

Let me know if you'd like more detailed descriptions of specific vowel sounds!