Diphthongs /ei/, /ai/, /au/ /ɔɪ/: - SS2 English Lesson Note
diphthongs /ei/, /ai/, /au/ /ɔɪ/:
A diphthong is a vowel sound that starts with one vowel sound and glides to another. The four diphthongs you mentioned are:
- /ei/: This diphthong is pronounced as a combination of the vowel sounds /e/ and /i/. It is often spelled as "ay" or "eigh." For example, the word "day" is pronounced with the diphthong /ei/.
- /ai/: This diphthong is pronounced as a combination of the vowel sounds /a/ and /i/. It is often spelled as "ai" or "ay." For example, the word "rain" is pronounced with the diphthong /ai/.
- /au/: This diphthong is pronounced as a combination of the vowel sounds /a/ and /u/. It is often spelled as "au" or "aw." For example, the word "out" is pronounced with the diphthong /au/.
- /ɔɪ/: This diphthong is pronounced as a combination of the vowel sounds /ɔ/ and /ɪ/. It is often spelled as "oy" or "oi." For example, the word "boy" is pronounced with the diphthong /ɔɪ/.
Diphthongs can be a challenge for some learners of English, as they can be difficult to pronounce correctly. However, with practice, it is possible to master these sounds.
Tips for pronouncing diphthongs:
- Start with the first vowel sound and then glide to the second vowel sound.
- Make sure that the two vowel sounds are distinct, but that they are not pronounced separately.
- Practice pronouncing the diphthongs slowly at first, and then gradually increase your speed.