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Write a note on the classification of vowels.
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Vowels are classified based on several articulatory features, primarily focusing on the position of the tongue, the shape of the lips, and the tension of the vocal muscles during their production. Here's a breakdown of the main categories:
1. Tongue Height:
- High Vowels (Close Vowels): The tongue is positioned high in the mouth. Examples include /i/ as in "see" and /u/ as in "too".
- Mid Vowels: The tongue is in a mid position. Examples include /e/ as in "bed" and /ɔ/ as in "caught".
- Low Vowels (Open Vowels): The tongue is positioned low in the mouth. Examples include /æ/ as in "cat" and /ɑ/ as in "father".
2. Tongue Backness:
- Front Vowels: The tongue is positioned towards the front of the mouth. Examples include /i/ as in "see" and /æ/ as in "cat".
- Central Vowels: The tongue is in a central position. Examples include /ə/ as in "about" (schwa).
- Back Vowels: The tongue is positioned towards the back of the mouth. Examples include /u/ as in "too" and /ɑ/ as in "father".
3. Lip Rounding:
- Rounded Vowels: The lips are rounded during the articulation. Examples include /u/ as in "too" and /ɔ/ as in "caught".
- Unrounded Vowels: The lips are not rounded. Examples include /i/ as in "see" and /æ/ as in "cat".
4. Tenseness:
- Tense Vowels: These vowels are produced with more muscular effort and are generally longer in duration. Examples include /i/ as in "beat" and /u/ as in "boot".
- Lax Vowels: These vowels are produced with less muscular effort and are generally shorter in duration. Examples include /ɪ/ as in "bit" and /ʊ/ as in "foot".
These four features (tongue height, tongue backness, lip rounding, and tenseness) are used to describe and classify vowels in different languages. The specific vowels and their phonetic realizations can vary significantly from one language to another.
Note: The symbols used here are from the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).