Question

Which of the following words contains a vowel glide?

• A. Read
• B. Learn
• C. Good
• D. Cow

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Cow

Understanding Vowel Glides

• A vowel glide, also known as a semivowel or diphthong, is a sound formed by the combination of two vowel sounds in one syllable, where the first vowel sound glides into the second.
• In English phonetics, vowel glides are typically represented by sequences of vowel sounds where the tongue moves from one position to another within the mouth.
• These sounds are crucial for accurate pronunciation and are often tested in competitive exams focusing on English language and phonetics.

Identifying Vowel Glides in 'Cow'

• The word 'Cow' contains the vowel glide sound represented phonetically as /aʊ/.
• This sound is formed by gliding from an 'a' sound (as in 'father') to an 'oo' sound (as in 'too').
• Phonetic Transcription: The word 'cow' is transcribed as /kaʊ/. The /aʊ/ part is the vowel glide.

Common Vowel Glides in English

• Other common vowel glides include:
• /aɪ/ as in 'my' /maɪ/
• /ɔɪ/ as in 'boy' /bɔɪ/
• /eɪ/ as in 'say' /seɪ/
• /oʊ/ (or /əʊ/ in British English) as in 'go' /ɡoʊ/

Relevance for Competitive Exams

• Questions related to phonetics, including the identification of vowel glides, diphthongs, and other phonemic sounds, are frequently part of sections on English language proficiency in various competitive exams (e.g., SSC, banking exams, UPSC English papers).
• Understanding these concepts helps in:
• Spelling Tests: Recognizing sound patterns can aid in correct spelling.
• Comprehension: Accurate pronunciation aids in understanding spoken English.
• Grammar and Usage: A strong grasp of phonetics contributes to overall language mastery.