How to Pronounce [_] before [n], [m], or [_]: American English Pronunciation

The video tutorial addresses a query about the pronunciation of the 'a' vowel sound in words like 'pan', 'pam', and 'anger' when followed by N, NG, or M consonants. It explains that the vowel sound is not a pure 'a' as in 'bat', but rather a modified sound that forms a diphthong. The tutorial provides examples and compares the pronunciation to the IPA notation, highlighting discrepancies and offering a detailed analysis of mouth and tongue positions.

What is the main issue discussed in the introduction regarding vowel sounds?

• The vowel sound changes when followed by 'L'.

• The vowel sound remains pure in all cases.

• The vowel sound changes when followed by 'N', 'M', or 'Ng'.

• The vowel sound is always a diphthong.

In the word 'pan', what is the primary difference in mouth positioning compared to the pure 'a' sound?

• The jaw drops more.

• The tongue moves forward.

• The corners of the lips come up slightly.

• The mouth opens wider.

What happens to the vowel sound when it is followed by an 'M' consonant?

• It becomes a modified 'a' sound followed by a schwa.

• It becomes a pure 'a' sound.

• It turns into a schwa.

• It remains unchanged.

Which of the following words demonstrates the modified vowel sound followed by an 'N' consonant?

• Bang

• Hang

• Pam

• Pan

How is the vowel sound pronounced when followed by an 'Ng' consonant?

• As a pure 'e' sound.

• As a pure 'a' sound.

• As a modified 'a' sound followed by a schwa.

• As the 'A as in say' diphthong.

Which word is an example of the 'A as in say' diphthong when followed by 'Ng'?

• Anger

• Animal

• Pam

• Pan

What is the lesson regarding the IPA representation of vowel sounds?

• IPA perfectly captures all sounds.

• IPA is only for consonants.

• IPA sometimes does not capture vowel modifications.

• IPA is not used for English.