11.4: Low Vowels (Open Vowels)
- Page ID
- 288318
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Let's get started!
Low vowels ([ɑ], [a], [ɑ̃]
Nasal low vowel [ɑ̃]
The vowel [ɑ̃] is low, back, unrounded and nasal:
plan, chanter, temps, penser
How open or closed a vowel is pronounced is a question of degree: some are more open or closed than others.
Here is a summary of high, mid and low vowels:
|
Vowel type |
Low Vowels |
Mid-vowels |
Mid-vowels |
High Vowels |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Oral vowels |
[ɑ] |
[a] |
[ɔ] |
[ə] |
[œ] |
[ɛ] |
[o] |
[ø] |
[e] |
[u] |
[y] |
[i] |
|
Nasal vowels |
[ɑ̃] |
[ɔ̃] |
[œ̃] |
[ɛ̃] |
||||||||
|
Semi-vowels |
[w] |
[ɥ] |
[j] |
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Whether or not a vowel is pronounced more or less openly also depends on context.
Let's practice!
Activity
Low vowel à vs. mid vowel è. Listen and repeat.
- chat / bras / caisse / casse / salle / belle / glace / plage / neige
- guerre / repas / retard / beau-frère / fromage / prochaine / dommage
- elle / tasse / chère / beige / sage / mettre / règle / page / tête / fête
- gare / chef / chaise / bases / maître / été / déjà / promesse / courage