SPEECH SOUNDS/ LONG AND SHORT VOWELS - JSS1 English Language Past Questions and Answers - page 2

The primary distinction between /a:/ and /æ/ lies in the openness of the mouth and the positioning of the tongue. /a:/ is more open and further back, while /æ/ is less open and closer to the front of the mouth.

• • Additionally, /a:/ is a longer sound duration-wise compared to /æ/.

  /ɔ:/ and /ʌ/:

  • /ɔ:/ (e.g., "Law"): This vowel sound is termed the "open-mid back rounded vowel." It is produced with a relatively open mouth and rounded lips. It is a longer sound.

  • /ʌ/ (e.g., "Luck"): This vowel sound is known as the "open-mid back unrounded vowel." It is produced with a relatively open mouth and a neutral tongue position. It is a shorter sound.

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  The key difference between /ɔ:/ and /ʌ/ lies in the rounding of the lips. /ɔ:/ requires lip rounding, while /ʌ/ does not involve lip rounding.
• Moreover, /ɔ:/ is a longer sound duration-wise compared to /ʌ/.
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