4 And 5 . Diphthongs and Triphthongs Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is a diphthong?
A vowel sound that involves a glide from one vowel to another within the same syllable.
: What is a triphthong?
A sequence of three vowel sounds pronounced together in a single syllable.
What is the difference between monophthongs and diphthongs?
-Monophthongs have a stable tongue position; diphthongs involve movement.
. Are diphthongs typically long or short in English?
Long; the first element is stronger than the second (falling diphthongs).
What are centring diphthongs?
Diphthongs that end in /ə/ (a central vowel).
List 3 centring diphthongs with examples.
/ɪə/ as in beer
/ʊə/ as in poor
/eə/ as in chair
. What are closing diphthongs?
Diphthongs that glide towards /ɪ/ or /ʊ/.
List 5 closing diphthongs with examples.
/eɪ/ (stay)
/aɪ/ (buy)
/ɔɪ/ (boy)
/aʊ/ (now)
/əʊ/ (go)
What is a triphthong composed of?
A closing diphthong followed by a schwa /ə/.
List 5 triphthongs with examples.
eɪə/ (mayor)
/aɪə/ (fire)
/ɔɪə/ (royal)
/əʊə/ (lower)
/aʊə/ (hour)
What happens to the second element in English triphthongs?
It is often reduced, making it difficult to perceive.
How many pure vowels does Spanish have compared to English?
Spanish: 5; English: around 12 pure vowels.
Why do Spanish speakers struggle with English vowels?
Because English has more vowel sounds and length contrasts that don’t exist in Spanish.
:
Give examples of minimal pairs that are hard for Spanish speakers.
Sit/seat, cat/cut, fast/first.
How do diphthongs differ in English and Spanish?
: English diphthongs are often falling; Spanish diphthongs can be rising or falling, with stronger second elements.
How many diphthongs does Spanish have?
‘Around 14, depending on classification.
. Are triphthongs common in Spanish?
No, they are rare but may appear in words like buey or limpiéis.
What makes English triphthongs difficult for Spanish learners?
The reduced or weakened final elements and rapid articulation.
