Which term describes a vowel sound that consists of two vowels in sequence?

Which term describes a vowel sound that consists of two vowels in sequence?

• A. Phonotactics
• B. Diphthong
• C. Utterance
• D. Prosody

Answer: (B)

A vowel sound that consists of two vowels in sequence is called a diphthong. It happens when the articulation glides from the position of one vowel to another within the same syllable, so the sound changes quality as it’s spoken, rather than staying on a single pure vowel. English examples include the vowel in “face,” which shifts from one vowel quality toward another (often heard as /eɪ/), and in “coin,” which moves from /ɔ/ toward /ɪ/. The important point is the audible glide from one vowel to another within one syllable. The other terms describe different ideas: phonotactics is about which sound combinations are allowed in a language, utterance refers to any spoken unit, and prosody concerns rhythm, stress, and intonation.

A vowel sound that consists of two vowels in sequence is called a diphthong. It happens when the articulation glides from the position of one vowel to another within the same syllable, so the sound changes quality as it’s spoken, rather than staying on a single pure vowel. English examples include the vowel in “face,” which shifts from one vowel quality toward another (often heard as /eɪ/), and in “coin,” which moves from /ɔ/ toward /ɪ/. The important point is the audible glide from one vowel to another within one syllable. The other terms describe different ideas: phonotactics is about which sound combinations are allowed in a language, utterance refers to any spoken unit, and prosody concerns rhythm, stress, and intonation.