11.3: Mid Vowels (Mid-Open and Mid-Closed Vowels)
- Page ID
- 288317
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Mid-vowels ([e], [ɛ], [ə], [ø], [œ], [o], [ɔ])
Mid-vowels — aka "mid-closed" & "mid-open vowels" — are articulated with the tongue in the middle of the mouth (in terms of height). The passage of air through your mouth is more open than with a high vowel. There are two mid positions: mid-closed (higher tongue) and mid-open (lower tongue). Three pairs of French mid-vowels exist: