Define diphthong. Mention the eight diphthongal phonemes of the English language

Answer

Define diphthong. Mention the eight diphthongal phonemes of the English language with suitable examples. 

A diphthong is a special vowel sound. It is made by joining two vowel sounds. The tongue moves during the sound. Diphthongs sound like a glide from one vowel to another. These are not two separate vowels. Both parts are said together quickly. Let us identify them with examples. 

Definition: According to the Cambridge Dictionary, diphthong means “a vowel sound in which the tongue changes position to produce the sound of two vowels.”

Diphthongs in English: There are eight main diphthong phonemes in English. Each one has its own sound. The sound moves from one vowel to another in one syllable. As a result, these are called “gliding vowels” or “vowel glides.” These diphthongs are used in many common words.

1. /eɪ/: This sound is heard in “day.” It starts with “e” and glides to “ɪ.” Example word: “face.”
2. /aɪ/: This diphthong is found in “my.” It begins with “a” and moves to “ɪ.” Example word: “time.”
3. /ɔɪ/: We hear this sound in “boy.” It starts with “ɔ” and goes to “ɪ.” Example word: “coin.”
4. /aʊ/: This diphthong is heard in “now.” It starts with “a” and finishes with “ʊ.” Example word: “house.”
5. /əʊ/: This is the sound in “go.” It begins with “ə” and glides to “ʊ.” Example word: “home.”
6. /ɪə/: This diphthong shows in “ear.” It starts with “ɪ” and moves to “ə.” Example word: “near.”
7. /eə/: We say this sound in “air.” It starts with “e” and glides to “ə.” Example word: “care.”
8. /ʊə/: This diphthong is heard in “tour.” It starts with “ʊ” and glides to “ə.” Example word: “pure.”

To sum up, these eight diphthong sounds are very common. They assist in making English words sound clear and correct. They make speaking and listening better. Learning them is helpful for everyone.