Vowels do not have specific point and manner of articulation. Hence, they are more difficult to describe. Vowels are produced with the flow of air unobstructed as the air passes from the larynx to the lips (Roach, 2010). In the articulation of vowels, the vocal cords or vocal folds are generally vibrating. Vowels are specifically produced by modifying the shape and size of the vocal tract through the movement of the following speech organs:
- the jaw which can be raised or lowered changing the amount of space inside the oral
- the tongue which can be arched, curled or pointed to varying degrees in different places from front to
- the lips which can be rounded or spread changing the resonant characteristics of the vocal
- the tongue root which can be moved changing the size of the pharynx
Study the Cardinal vowel chart below. The chart is a representation of the ‘vowel space’ in the centre of the mouth.
