1.A.6 Summary of All Vowels au ai / o -*- u -»-e Combining the previous five sketches illustrates the central role played by the a sound. Note that all these vowel sounds may be sounded continuously for a full breath: there is no glide from one sound to another. Also note that the four sounds e ai o au, being an addition of two sounds as it were, are naturally long (dlrgha) and may also be prolonged (pluta), but have no short measure. Vowel Throat Tongue Lips Eng. Approx.t a tense relaxed wide open but, not bat a relaxed relaxed wide open harm, NOT ham i/l tense raised back wide open pink / peep e relaxed raised back wide open fair or eight ai relaxed half-raised back wide open aisle or 'pie' u/u tense relaxed small circle put / boot o relaxed relaxed small circle between owe awe au relaxed relaxed half-raised back, large circle down or hound r tense wide open (acre) tip vertical half-raised back, V / 1 tense wide open (table) tip upper teeth t The English approximations are only a very rough guide, especially considering the wide variety of accents around the world. Rather follow the instructions given earlier, or oral guidance given in person.
