What is a Diphthong?
A diphthong is a sound made by combining two vowels, specifically when it starts as one vowel sound and goes to another, like the oy sound in oil.
Diphthong comes from the Greek word diphthongos which means “having two sounds.”
Diphthongs can be tricky sounds to master for non-native speakers. Your mouth will move position as you produce the sound.Learners find diphthongs difficult because producing them is a motor skill which has to be practised in order to obtain a good result. The main diphthong sounds in British English are:
Audio 1:
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Wouldn't it be really helpful if:
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You could watch and SEE a native RP speaker make all these sounds
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You were told exactly how to place your tongue, lips and mouth to accurately mimic these sounds
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So you could learn how to make each British sound, in the comfort of your home at a pace that suits you.