Vowels In English Language Essay

2.0 Literature review 2.1 Segmental features 2.1.1 Monophthongs, diphthongs and triphthongs

There are two types of vowels in English which is short vowels and long vowels. The example symbols of short vowels are ɪ, e, æ, ʌ, ɒ, and ʊ. The difference length of the vowels would be uttered according to the placement of the stress in the word. The central vowel ə is one of the most widely used vowel sounds in the English language and it is expressed the vowel schwa sound in the word. For example, words such as about and perhaps.

Besides, the English long vowels dwell of i:, ɜ:, ɑ:, ɔ: and u:. The mark of two dots [:] to show that it is a long vowel in the English long vowels and it is has certain length in pronouncing the words. The

The consonant sound from the previous word is linked with the following vowel when pronounced. For instance in the phrase wake up - the /k/ in the word ‘wake’ is linked to the initial vowel schwa in ‘up’. Therefore, when pronounced them in a sentence, it would sound similar to wakeup. Another example of linking that we can see is in the phrase turn off where:

We write it like this: turn off

We say it like this: tur noff

2.3.3.5 Intonation

The forms and functions of varying intonation:

Types of tones Forms of tones Function of tones

Fall \ yes \no Falling tone is usually regarded as a neutral tone. It signals of finality in a statement answer where nothing more is said to a question.

Rise /yes /no Rising tone indicates that there are more things to follow in a speech.

Rise-fall ˄yes ˄no Rise-fall tone indicates strong emotions such as approval, disapproval or surprise.

Fall-rise ˅yes ˅no Fall-Rise tone indicates that a person does not completely agree with a statement, or it signifies doubt and hesitation.

Level _yes _no Level tone indicates the definite feeling of uttering something routine, dull or