Understanding American English Vowel Sounds

The video tutorial from the 'Sounds American' channel covers the 12 distinct vowel sounds in American English. It explains how each vowel sound is produced by positioning the tongue in specific areas of the mouth. The tutorial provides detailed instructions and examples for pronouncing each vowel sound, including /i/, /ɪ/, /eɪ/, /ɛ/, /æ/, /ʌ/, /ə/, /ɑ/, /u/, /ʊ/, /oʊ/, and the R-colored vowels /ɝ/ and /ɚ/. The video aims to help learners speak American English more accurately by mastering these vowel sounds.

How many distinct vowel sounds are there in American English?

• 10

• 16

• 14

• 12

Which vowel sound is pronounced with the tongue pushed forward and raised very high?

• /ʌ/

• /æ/

• /i/

• /ɔ/

What is the correct tongue position for pronouncing the /ɪ/ sound?

• Tongue in the middle

• Tongue high and forward

• Tongue pulled back and low

• Tongue low and forward

Which word contains the /eɪ/ vowel sound?

• cat

• bed

• make

• us

To pronounce the /æ/ sound, how should your mouth be positioned?

• Mouth slightly open

• Mouth partially open

• Mouth closed

• Mouth wide open

Which vowel sound is heard in the word 'ago'?

• /æ/

• /ɑ/

• /ʌ/

• /ə/

What is the correct lip position for pronouncing the /u/ sound?

• Lips in a neutral position

• Lips in a small tense circle

• Lips spread wide

• Lips relaxed

Which word contains the /ʊ/ vowel sound?

• first

• on

• go

• put

How should your tongue be positioned to pronounce the /ɝ/ sound?

• Tongue in the middle

• Tongue relaxed and low

• Tongue tense and curled back

• Tongue high and forward

Which word contains the R-colored vowel /ɚ/?

• first

• after

• on

• blue