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Comparing Spanish and English Vowels

Feb 20, 2025

Lecture Notes: Spanish and English Vowels

Introduction

  • Focus of the lecture: Understanding vowels in Spanish compared to English.
  • Reference to a handout available on Canvas in "Capitulo Uno, Chapter One."

English Vowels

  • English vowels: A, E, I, O, U.
  • Pronunciation varies widely (e.g., "A" in "sand," "fate," "earth").
  • 21 different pronunciations for the letter "A."
  • Complexity in English due to the Great Vowel Shift.

Spanish Vowels

  • Consistency in pronunciation.
  • Vowels: A, E, I, O, U pronounced as "ah, eh, ee, oh, oo."
  • Pronunciation is always consistent, no silent vowels.

Practice with Spanish Vowels

  • Examples to distinguish vowel sounds: mesas vs. meses, señoras vs. señores.
  • Importance of pronouncing vowels shortly and choppily for better Spanish accent.

Pronunciation Practice

  • Comparison of English and Spanish pronunciation of similar words.
  • Practice list:
    • English: Con, Ti, Lo, Dos
    • Spanish: Con, Ti, Lo, Dos

Accent and Weak/Strong Vowels

  • Weak Vowels: I, U
  • Strong Vowels: A, E, O
  • Importance of vowel strength in pronunciation.
  • Diphthongs: Combination of weak and strong vowels pronounced together.
  • Example words: ciudad (two syllables), cielo (one syllable).

Syllable Division

  • Words with weak and strong vowels are pronounced together as diphthongs.
  • Example: estudiante vs. bueno.

Accent Marks

  • Weak vowel with an accent mark becomes strong.
  • Example: Dios (one syllable) vs. Días (two syllables).

Accent Mark Placement

  • Can be on weak or strong vowels.
  • Shows where the stress in pronunciation is.
  • Example: educación (stress on "ción").

Conclusion

  • Understanding vowels is crucial for pronunciation and accent in Spanish.
  • Next topic: The rest of the alphabet (las consonantes).

Remember to review the practice exercises and focus on short and choppy vowel pronunciation for a better Spanish accent. The distinction between weak and strong vowels, as well as correct use of accent marks, is crucial for understanding and speaking Spanish effectively. Next lecture will cover consonants.

Full transcript