Here are some key characteristics of vowel sounds:
* Free airflow: Unlike consonants, where air is partially or completely blocked, vowels allow air to flow freely.
* Voiced: All vowel sounds are voiced, meaning the vocal cords vibrate.
* Different tongue positions: The position of the tongue in the mouth determines the specific vowel sound produced. Vowels are often described based on the part of the tongue that is highest (front, back, or middle) and how high or low the tongue is in the mouth.
* Shape of the mouth: The shape of the lips and the position of the jaw also influence the sound of a vowel.
Examples of vowel sounds:
* English: "a" in "father", "e" in "bed", "i" in "see", "o" in "go", "u" in "flute"
* Other languages: Languages have varying vowel sounds, and some languages have more vowel sounds than English.
It's important to note that the term "vowel" can refer to both the written symbol (like the letter "a") and the speech sound. While the written symbols can be the same, the actual pronunciation of a vowel sound can vary depending on the language and even the speaker's accent.