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Benny
How do Americans pronounce the short O / AH sound?
Hi guys,
I think I hear 2 versions of the same ah sound.
1. https://youtu.be/DEJGBC4xZzI?t=125
Lips are a bit round.
2. https://youtu.be/ok6yf9SBTYk?t=129
Lips are flat.
Which one is more common?
Thanks so much.
Feb 24, 2021 4:00 AM
Answers · 8
2
Benny, it depends on the exact regional accent. In my opinion, something in between would be the most “standard” — just imagine the doctor wants to look in your throat. Rachel’s pronunciation sounds like it is heading a tiny bit in the direction of the RP pronunciation — you’ll hear that a lot in Canada (although I believe she is American). Your second video demonstrates a sound that significantly fronted — that is characteristic of the Chicago accent that Debbie tells you she is teaching. I would definitely *not* consider Chicago accent to be the most standard (even though I can imitate it pretty well), although you will hear a similar accent in Milwaukee, Detroit, Buffalo, and Rochester. Watch out for her pronunciation of the “a” in “mat” — standard American accents only use that tensed sound if the syllable ends in /m/ or /n/.
February 24, 2021
1
Phil gave an excellent answer.
#1 - I hear a completely acceptable [ɑ].
#2 - I hear an unusual vowel which is probably [ɐ].
February 24, 2021
Short "o" and "ah" do sound the same, like in rob or slob.
Neither of the lips sentences is common, I am not sure what you are trying to say.
February 24, 2021
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Benny
Language Skills
English, Other
Learning Language
English
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