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These sounds are frequently confused. Non-native speakers sometimes do not clearly distinguish the difference between cup, cop, cap, and cope.
| /ɘ/ |
/ɑ/ /ɔ/ |
/ou/ |
| Remember, the sound /ɘ/ as in fun or cup is a neutral vowel, meaning that everything in your mouth is relaxed and the lips are just very slightly open. |
In contrast to the /ɘ/, the /ɑ/ as in father and /ɔ/ as in saw, require the mouth to be open. The sounds /ɑ/ and /ɔ/ are very similar, except that for the /ɔ/, the lips are a bit more oval in shape and the tongue is slightly tense. However, in many parts of the United States, the /ɑ/ and /ɔ/ are pronounced the same way. For example, many Americans pronounce hot and tall with the same vowel sound. |
For the /ou/ sound, as in boat, the lips are rounded and tense. |
Warning: Dangerous Mistake
Confusing /ɘ/, /ɑ/, /ɔ/, and /ou/ may cause embarrassment or can even be offensive.
| Do you mean? |
Or? |
| /ɘ/ |
/ɔ/ |
| Doug |
dog |
Also, mispronouncing words like coke, focus, fork, and folk can cause you to say an inappropriate or offensive word.
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