Understanding the OW Diphthong in American English

This video tutorial teaches the pronunciation of the OW diphthong in American English. It explains the two positions of the diphthong, starting with a jaw drop similar to the AA vowel and transitioning to a rounded lip position like the UH vowel. The video contrasts stressed and unstressed syllables, highlighting differences in pitch, volume, and mouth movements. Viewers are guided through slow-motion demonstrations and practice with example words to master the OW diphthong.

What is the starting position of the OW diphthong similar to?

• IH as in SIT vowel

• OO as in BOOT vowel

• EE as in SEE vowel

• AA as in BAT vowel

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2D

CCSS.L.K.2C

CCSS.RF.2.3E

CCSS.RF.4.3A

CCSS.RF.5.3A

How do the lips change when transitioning to the second position of the OW diphthong?

• They round more

• They stay the same

• They become more relaxed

• They stretch wider

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5D

CCSS.L.2.5B

CCSS.L.3.5C

CCSS.L.K.5D

In a stressed syllable, how does the OW diphthong behave?

• It remains flat

• It curves up, then down

• It becomes quieter

• It stays the same

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2D

CCSS.L.K.2C

CCSS.RF.2.3E

CCSS.RF.4.3A

CCSS.RF.5.3A

What is a characteristic of the unstressed OW diphthong?

• It is louder

• It is higher in pitch

• It is more pronounced

• It is quieter and quicker

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2E

CCSS.L.K.2D

CCSS.RF.1.3C

CCSS.RF.2.3A

CCSS.RF.2.3B

How does the jaw movement differ in unstressed OW diphthongs compared to stressed ones?

• The jaw stays the same

• The jaw doesn't drop as much

• The jaw drops more

• The jaw moves sideways

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2D

CCSS.RF.2.3E

CCSS.RF.4.3A

CCSS.RF.5.3A

CCSS.RF.K.3A

What is a general characteristic of unstressed vowels or diphthongs?

• They are more pronounced

• They take the full mouth position

• They are more relaxed

• They are louder

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2D

CCSS.RF.2.3E

CCSS.RF.4.3A

CCSS.RF.5.3A

CCSS.RF.K.3D

What happens to the lips in the second position of the unstressed OW diphthong?

• They round more

• They are more relaxed

• They stay the same

• They stretch wider

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2E

CCSS.L.K.2D

CCSS.RF.1.3C

CCSS.RF.2.3A

CCSS.RF.2.3B

Which word contains a stressed OW diphthong?

• Sound

• Shut down

• About

• Wound

Which word contains an unstressed OW diphthong?

• Found

• Blackout

• Let down

• Shut down

Which of the following words is used as an example for practicing the OW diphthong?

• House

• Tree

• Book

• Sky