Lesson 4 - Diphthongs

Lesson 4 - Diphthongs

The diphthong AI

The diphthong AI ( ) as sounded in file and my is represented by the same sign-outline as that employed to express the vowels EH and I, but it is differentiated from these latter by the method of writing it to the other signs.

The rule laid down in Lesson 3-2 is here disregarded and exactly the opposite made use of, i.e. express the diphthong AI by making the semi-circle form an angle.

Ex: tie , thigh , time , mile , file , fine , line , like , sigh , pie , right , while , choir , blithe , my .

The diphthong OW

The diphthong OW ( ) as sounded in fowl and cow is expressed by combining the two signs representing AH and OO thus .

The formation of this sign both at the beginning and end of words, offers no difficulty. When it comes between two consonants the simplest and quickest way of writing it, is to trace it in the same direction as the following sign.

Ex: out , hour , ounce , cow , now , plough , bow , about , fowl , mouse , crowd , gout , growl , gown , mouth , spouse , rouse , spout .

The diphthong OI

This diphthong ( ) is formed by combining the vowel-signs OH and EE, viz. or or .

Ex: boil , toil , joy , noise or , boy , point , coin , toy .

The diphthong JU

The phonetic U ( ), as sounded in use and view, is represented by a quadrant of a large circle: . Avoid an angular union wherever possible.

Ex: use , music , view , knew , obscure , pure , duke .

N.B. The consonant W likewise, represented by , is always written upwards.

Ex: wish , with , wig , wife , we .