Fig. 57.

Definition.The nucleus of the diphthong is central, open (broad variant), unrounded.

Articulation.The starting point of the diphthong is between the back and front open positions. The sound starts with the po­sition slightly more retracted than for the nucleus of the diph­thong [aij and more advanced than for the vowel [a:J. For the glide the tongue moves upwards in the direction of [u], the mouth gets closer. The lips are neutral for the first element and get slightly rounded for the second.

The sound [auj occurs in all positions of the word, eg out — town — now.

Allophones.The nucleus of the diphthong |au] is longer in the open syllable. It is shorter in the closed syllable before a weak voiced consonant and still shorter before a voiceless conso­nant, cf allow — owl — out.

Recommendations.Start with Articulation Exercises II, 1—3. Take a mirror and practise the sound getting closer. Make the glide very weak, it should be hardly heard at all.

Comparison with the Russian Sound Combination [ay].The Russian sound combination [ay] consists of two equal elements

and the sound [y] is often a more prominent vowel pronounced with strongly rounded and protruded lips, cf how— Бауман.

Possible Mistakes.The nucleus is too back. The glide is too strong and close. Start the diphthong with a more advanced po­sition very close to the vowel [a]. Make the glide very weak. The lips are not at all protruded and are only slightly rounded.

CENTRING DIPHTHONGS

[13]

ere — here, severe ea — idea, real

eer — deer, pioneer ier — fierce, pierce

ear — clear, near