Lecture on Vowels in English and Spanish

Introduction

• Focus on vowels in both English and Spanish.
• Students should download or print Chapter One packet from Canvas.
• Presenting how vowels are pronounced and spelled in both languages.

English Vowels

• English vowels: A, E, I, O, U.
• Multiple pronunciations for each vowel (e.g., A in "sand," "art," "fate," "earth").
• Complexity due to historical reasons such as the Great Vowel Shift.
• Examples of different pronunciations:
  • Wind (n.) vs. Wind (v.)
  • Read (present) vs. Read (past)
  • Close (adj.) vs. Close (v.)
  • Tear (n.) vs. Tear (v.)

Spanish Vowels

• Spanish vowels: A, E, I, O, U.
• Each vowel has one consistent sound.
• Vowels are always pronounced, not silent.
• Short and consistent pronunciation compared to English.

Pronunciation Practice

• Spanish vowel sounds related to familiar English sounds:
  • A in "father"
  • E in "bed"
  • I in "need"
  • O in "no"
  • U in "to"
• Importance of short, choppy vowel pronunciation to achieve a better Spanish accent.
  • Avoid elongating vowels as in English.

Accent and Pronunciation

• Accents can be intriguing and add character but should not impede understanding.
• Practice short and choppy pronunciation for a better accent.
• Exercise: Compare English and Spanish pronunciations (e.g., "con" vs. "con")

Strong and Weak Vowels

• I and U are weak vowels, A, E, and O are strong.
• Weak vowels form diphthongs with other vowels.
• Pronunciation changes based on vowel strength.
• Example words:
  • Diphthong: "ciudad," "cielo"
  • Separate syllables: "idea," "caos"

Accent Marks

• Use of accent marks to strengthen weak vowels and indicate pronunciation.
• If a weak vowel has an accent, it becomes strong.
• Example: "Mario" vs. "María"
• Accents emphasize syllable stress and are only placed on vowels.
• Examples of vowel emphasis: "educación"

Conclusion

• Overview of vowels and initial introduction to accent marks.
• Next lesson will cover the alphabet focusing on consonants.
• Encouragement to practice and focus on pronunciation and understanding accent marks.