PHONETICS & DICTION

DISTANCE LEARNING: CLASS Nª 3 / April 7th

Ref.: THE ENGLISH VOWELS – IPA ( International Phonetic Alfphabet )

Dear Students,

As explained, all pronunciations in every language need to be transcribed in orden to

obtain the most precise sounds. English, like Spanish, share the Latin alphabet. English,
like Spanish , transcribe their pronunciations with the help of the IPA.

Let us set a simple example in Spanish. The word “ OSO “ it has two different o-
sounds. The first “ o “ is open / long while the second “ o “ is short and close. A
foreigner learning Spanish will hear / o:so / Dots indicate that the sound is long.

In English, feel / fi:l / BUT fill / fil ). Long i: and short i.

We attach the IPA applicable to the English transcriptions for you to become familiar
with.

Pay attention to the definitions and examples of each vowel. Once we resume activities,
you will hear the sounds uttered by us. Once again, this class is just intended for you to
become familiar with the symbols.

If we keep the sounds of Spanish into English, then we will be speaking Spanglish. By
the way, Spanglish has two features: wrong transfer of words and MISpronunciation.
Should you not use the proper vowels, a lot of confusion may arise. If we use the
Spanish / i / we will mistake feel for fill and vice verse.

NB. I have written speak Spanglish and NOT speak in Spanglish.

Any doubts, do not hesitate to bring up your questions.

Best regards,

Antonio & Martín