Ch 4

Question 1

what is the vowel quadrilateral? what is it’s importance in the study of phonetics?

Answer 1

A diagram of the oral cavity, where it represents how high or low (height) and how far forward or backward (advancement) the tongue is when producing a vowel sound.
It represents approximately how each vowel is phonetically different from other vowels.

Question 2

how are vowels produced in the vocal tract?

Answer 2

without constriction or blockage of airflow.
the tongue is the primary articulator in vowel production.

Question 3

what is a point vowel? what are they (list them)?

Answer 3

They represent the EXTREME POINT or CORNER vowels of the vowel quadrilateral.
/i, ae, u, a/

Question 4

Define the terms ONGLIDE and OFFGLIDE.

Answer 4

The onlglide is the first element of a diphthong (1st sound position) ex; /aI/ in “buy”

The offglide is the second element of a diphthong. It is always produced at a height position in the oral cavity (2nd sound position). ex; /au/ in “cow” - /u/ is the offglide

Question 5

What is the difference between a MONOPHTHONG and a DIPHTHONG?

Answer 5

MONOphthongs have ONE primary articulatory position, but DIphthongs have TWO distinct articulatory positions (one for each of the two vowels in the diphthong).

Question 6

What is “rhotacization”? Which vowels may become rhotacized?

Answer 6

Is the vowel is perceived as having a “r” quality or “r-coloring” associated with it.
ex; /a/ + r = /ar/