Hello, I'm an expert in linguistics with a particular focus on phonetics and phonology. Let's delve into the fascinating world of speech sounds and explore why "a, e, i, o, u" are considered vowels in the English language.

Vowels are one of the two principal classes of speech sounds, the other being consonants. The distinction between vowels and consonants is based on the manner in which the airflow is modified when we produce these sounds.

Step 1: Understanding Vowels

The primary characteristic that defines a vowel is the unrestricted airflow during its articulation. When we produce a vowel sound, the tongue does not block the airflow in the vocal tract. Instead, the vocal cords vibrate freely, and the shape of the mouth and throat determines the specific vowel sound that is produced. This unobstructed airflow allows the vocal cords to produce sound with minimal effort, which is why vowels can be sustained for longer periods without the need for additional breath.

Voiced and Voiceless Sounds:

- Voiced sounds, like vowels, are produced with the vibration of the vocal cords. This is why all vowels are voiced; there is no such thing as an unvoiced vowel in English.
- Voiceless sounds, on the other hand, are produced without the vibration of the vocal cords. These are typically consonants, like /p/, /t/, and /k/, which are produced by completely or partially blocking the airflow.

Etymology of 'Vowel':

The word 'vowel' is derived from the Latin word 'vocalis,' which means 'of the voice.' This etymology reinforces the idea that vowel sounds are made solely with the voice, without any significant obstruction to the airflow.

Consonants:

In contrast, the term 'consonant' comes from the Latin 'consonans,' which means 'sounding with.' Consonants are produced with some degree of airflow restriction, which can be achieved by placing the tongue, lips, or other articulators in various positions to partially or completely block the airflow. This creates the 'consonantal' sound, which is often described as 'noisy' or 'effortful' compared to the smooth, open sound of vowels.

Phonetic Features of Vowels:

Vowels are also characterized by their phonetic features, which include:

- Openness: The degree to which the mouth is open when producing the sound.
- Height: The position of the tongue relative to the roof of the mouth.
- Backness: Whether the tongue is positioned towards the front or the back of the mouth.
- Roundedness: Whether the lips are rounded or spread during articulation.

These features allow for the differentiation of one vowel sound from another.

The Role of Vowels in Language:

Vowels play a crucial role in the intonation and rhythm of speech. They are the peaks of syllables, often referred to as the nucleus, around which consonants are arranged. The presence of vowels in a word can affect its stress pattern and, consequently, its meaning. For instance, in English, the word "record" can function as both a noun, with the stress on the first syllable, and a verb, with the stress on the second syllable.

Vowel Harmony and Language Evolution:

Vowel harmony is a feature in some languages where vowels within a word must belong to the same class or harmony group. This can influence the evolution and borrowing of words between languages, as vowels can be altered to fit the harmony rules of the borrowing language.

Conclusion:

In summary, vowels are a unique class of speech sounds that are defined by the unrestricted airflow during their production. Their voiced nature, etymological roots, and phonetic features all contribute to their distinct role in the structure and melody of language. Understanding vowels is fundamental to the study of linguistics and the broader appreciation of human communication.

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The key difference between vowels and most consonants is that the passage of air from the lungs is not restricted in any way in the production of vowels. Incidentally, the word 'vowel' comes from the same root as 'vocal' -C vowel sounds are made only with the voice. 'Consonant' comes from words meaning 'with-sounding'.Jun 25, 2012read more >>