Describing English Vowels

Question 1

Tongue Elevation

Answer 1

Tongue elevation refers to how high the tongue is inside the oral cavity.

Varies with how wide your jaw is open. High, mid, low

Question 2

Tongue Position

Answer 2

Tongue position refers to whether or not the tongue is slightly advanced or retracted inside the oral cavity at the time a speech sound is articulated.

There are three tongue positions: front, central, and back.

Question 3

Lip Rounding

Answer 3

Vowels formed with rounded lips are: / u /, / ʊ /, / o /, / Ɔ /

English word examples, in same order: boot, foot
English word examples, in same order: coat, mod

Question 4

Tense/Lax designation

Answer 4

Tense Vowels have a greater degree of muscle activity in the jaw and are held for a slightly longer duration. Think of these vowels as being produced by a “tense” or “tight” jaw.
Like [i] in cheese.

Lax Vowels have a lower degree of muscle activity in the jaw and a shorter duration in comparison to tense vowels. Think of these vowels as being produced with a “relaxed” jaw.
Like [æ] in cat.