Hi everyone! In this video, you'll practice the AH in father and the UH
in butter vowels in a minimal pairs listening quiz.
The AH in father and the
UH in butter are two vowels in American English that sound very similar. Many of
my clients tell me they have a difficult time hearing the difference between
these two vowels, as well as pronouncing these two vowels so that they sound
different. In this video, I'll discuss how to make the AH in father and the UH in
butter vowels, and then you can test your skills with a listen and repeat quiz.
First the AH vowel. AH. You may have this vowel or something close to it in your
native language. To make the AH vowel, the jaw is open. The tongue is low in the
mouth, and this is key - there is a little bit of tension in the back of the tongue
as you say AH. AH. I can feel the back of my tongue tense up. AH.
Now the vowel UH. UH. This vowel is less common in the world's languages, so you
may not have this vowel in your native language. UH. The UH vowel is very relaxed -
there's no tension. UH. The jaw closes just a bit as well, and the tongue
relaxes. UH. UH. AH: tension. UH: relaxed. AH. UH. AH. UH. AH. UH.
If you can't hear the difference between these
two vowels, don't worry. Watch this video over and over again and
take the listening quiz that will follow every day for a week or two. You will get
better at hearing the difference between AH and UH, and your ability to say AH and
UH will improve. Now the listening quiz. We're going to use minimal pairs for
this quiz. Minimal pairs are two words that differ by just one sound, so the
words hot and hut are minimal pairs. Those words differ by one sound only - the
vowel. The words cop and mop are also minimal pairs. Those words differ by one
sound only - the initial consonant. Minimal pairs are a great way to practice
difficult sounds. You'll see two words on the screen. I'll say one of the words, and
you decide which word I said. Repeat the word after I say it so you can practice
both listening and speaking, and try to imitate exactly what you hear.
Thanks so much for watching, and let me know if you'd like some help with the AH
in father and the UH in butter vowels.