Distinguishing Vowel and Consonant Phonetic Symbols

👆 From: How to Distinguish Vowel and Consonant Phonetic Symbols at a Glance? Tips to Avoid Rote Memorization | English International Phonetic Alphabet - Dan's English

Purpose of distinguishing vowel and consonant phonetic symbols?

1. Phonetic spelling: multi-syllable words, comparatives, superlatives
2. Liaison (connected speech)
3. Distinguishing the number of syllables in words

Classification of Letters

👉 Vowel letters: a e i o u

👉 Semi-vowel letters: w y

👉 Consonant letters: b c d f g h j k l m n p q r s t v x z

Definition of Phonetic Symbols

👉 Vowel phonetic symbols: Sounds produced when airflow from the lungs passes through the oral cavity without obstruction, flowing freely, and requiring vocal cord vibration

👉 Consonant phonetic symbols: Sounds produced when airflow from the lungs passes through the oral cavity, with the airflow being obstructed at certain points

Distinguishing Tips

Characteristics of vowel phonetic symbols:

1. Look like vowel letters
2. In diphthongs, at least one component looks like a vowel letter
3. Each symbol is relatively "short and wide"

Characteristics of consonant phonetic symbols:

1. Look like consonant letters
2. Tall symbols that don't resemble letters: [θ] [∫] [t∫] [ð] [ŋ]
3. "Big ears": [ʒ] [dʒ]