Page 30 - DENG401_Advance Communication Skills

Unit 1: Simple Rule for Pronunciation & Intonation

Notes

1.3 Vowels

During the production of all the English vowels, the soft palate is raised and the vocal chords
vibrate.
Front vowels are articulated with the highest point of the tongue arching towards the front of
the mouth, below the hard palate. Central vowels are articulated with the highest point of
tongue close to the center of the mouth between the front and back. Back vowels are articulated
with the highest point of the tongue drawn back toward the back of the mouth, below the soft
palate. Close vowels are articulated with the jaw relatively closed and the highest point of the
tongue close to the roof of the mouth. Close mid vowels are articulated with the jaw at the
midpoint between closed and the middle of the mouth. Open mid vowels are articulated with
the jaw and tongue halfway between the mid point of the mouth and fully open. Open vowels
are articulated with the jaw relatively open and the highest point of the tongue far from the roof
of the mouth.
Diagram 1

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 23