This document discusses diphthongs in English phonology. It defines a diphthong as a single sound produced from two vowels in sequence, with one vowel being dominant. Diphthongs are represented by two letters, with the first showing the starting point and second the direction of movement from one vowel position to another. There are two types of diphthongs: closing diphthongs where the position moves to close vowels, and centering diphthongs where the position moves to center vowels. The first vowel is longer in duration and receives more stress.

1. DIPHTHONG
English Phonology

2. soraya/phonology
Do you
remember? • Kinds of
vowels
• English vowel
sounds
• Characteristics
of English
vowels

3. Diphthong
A diphthong is a single
sound produces when
two vowels, one
dominant in duration
and stress, are paired
together in sequence.
It is double vowels
and the process of the
production involves
the movement of the
tongue (glide) from
one vowel position to
another
Represented
phonetically by two
letters. The first
showing the starting
point and the second
indicating the
direction of the
movement.
soraya/phonology

4. Kinds of Diphthong
1. Closing diphthong
• The position
directs to the
close vowels
• e.g. ei, ai, oi, au, ou
2. Centering
Diphthong
• The position
moves to the
center vowels
• e.g. iǝ, eǝ, oǝ, uǝ
In all cases, the first vowel is longer in duration and exhibit
more stress.soraya/phonology

5. Closing Diphthong
soraya/phonology

6. Centering Diphthongs
soraya/phonology

7. About Diphthongs
• It is important to note that the close combination of
the two vowels causes each of the vowel to lose it’s
purity.
• Diphthongs can be found in both open and closed
syllables.
• In phonological patterns, diphthongs are labeled
using a single vowel symbol because they act as one
sound.
soraya/phonology

8. soraya/phonology