As a linguistics expert with a focus on phonetics and orthography, I can provide a comprehensive answer to your question regarding the sound represented by the diaeresis, often denoted by two dots (¨) above a vowel. The diaeresis is a diacritical mark that serves to indicate the separation of two adjacent vowels into distinct sounds, rather than merging them into a single sound or diphthong.

In the Welsh language, the diaeresis is used to signify that the vowel following it is pronounced separately from the preceding vowel. For instance, in the word "Cafodd," the 'o' and 'dd' are pronounced as separate sounds, not as a diphthong. This is an important distinction in Welsh, where vowel length and the clarity of individual vowel sounds can change the meaning of words.

Similarly, in English, the diaeresis is occasionally used in proper names to clarify pronunciation. Names like "Chloë" and "Zoë" include the diaeresis to indicate that the 'e' at the end of the name is pronounced separately from the preceding vowel, rather than being silent or part of a diphthong. This is particularly important in English, where the pronunciation of names can vary widely, and the diaeresis helps to maintain a consistent and correct pronunciation.

The use of the diaeresis is not limited to Welsh and English. It is also found in other languages, such as German, where it is used to mark the separation of vowels in compound words, and in French, where it can indicate that a normally silent vowel at the end of a word is to be pronounced.

It's important to note that the diaeresis is a typographical tool rather than a phonetic one. It does not create a new sound but rather clarifies the existing sounds. The actual sound of a vowel with a diaeresis will depend on the language and the specific context in which it appears.

In summary, the sound of a vowel with a diaeresis is not a specific sound in and of itself. Instead, it is a mark that indicates the vowel should be pronounced separately from any adjacent vowels. This can help to prevent the formation of diphthongs and to maintain the clarity of individual vowel sounds, which is crucial for the accurate communication of meaning in many languages.

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Re: ? This does not denote a specific sound in Welsh - it is a diaeresis, indicating that the e is pronounced separately from the vowel which precedes it (i.e. it does not form a diphthong). It is used in the same way in English in the names Chlo? nd Zo?.read more >>