2-6 Diphthongs数字时代的商务英语写作.pdf

Unit 2 Vowels 2.6 Diphthongs (I) Characteristics of diphthongs A diphthong, also known as a gliding vowel, refers to a combination of two different vowel sounds in a continuous, gliding motion. It is produced with a movement of the tongue, lips and jaw from one part of the vowel space to another during which the quality changes. Characteristics of diphthongs  The duration of a diphthong is similar to that of a long vowel. Characteristics of diphthongs  Syllabically, a diphthong is perceived as one phoneme not two. Thus, they are treated as having one syllable only. If, on the other hand, two adjacent vowel sounds occur in different syllables — for example, in the English word re-elect (/ˌri:ˈɪlekt/) — the result is described as hiatus (元音连读), not as a diphthong. Classification of diphthongs English is usually described as having eight diphthongs. Diphthongs Closing Centring ending in ɪ ending in ʊ ending in ə eɪ aɪ ɔɪ əʊ aʊ ɪə eə ʊə Closing diphthong /eɪ/ Letters with /eɪ/: a h j k Words with /eɪ/ face rain play eight great grey Phrases with /eɪ/ take a break the same day play the game change the date a famous painter wait for the train Comparison between /e/ /eɪ/ Sentences with /e/ /eɪ/ Is your name spelt J-a-n-e? Better late than never. It’s never too late to mend. You must hit the nail on the head. The train at eight was very late; we left the station with frustration. Closing diphthong /aɪ/ Letters with /aɪ/: i y Words with /aɪ/ life die sign blind island high dry height eit