Lesson 4

How to say it - /ʊə/ & /ɔɪ/

Introduction

/ʊə/ sound

This diphthong sound is not a common sound in English.


= + Although the first letter of this diphthong is /ʊ/, the sound is more like /uː/.
To make this sound, say /uː/, then open your mouth, stop rounding your lips, and move your tongue down to say /ə/.



/ɔɪ/ sound

This diphthong sound is a common sound in English; eg. in the 'oy' in ' boy' /bɔɪ/, and the 'oi' in 'coin' /kɔɪn/.


= + Notice how the length mark /ː/ after /ɔː/ disappears in the diphthong.

To make the /ɔɪ/ sound, say a long /ɔː/ first, then move your tongue up and forward. Widen your lips for the /ɪ/.



An interesting word that uses this sound twice is 'toy-boy' /tɔɪ bɔɪ/. A 'toy-boy' is a handsome young man who is the boyfriend of an older, richer woman.


Video of Mouth

Follow the instructions as they appear in the video.

/ʊə/ sound

 

/ɔɪ/ sound



Pronunciation Tips

/ʊə/ sound

 

/ɔɪ/ sound