How much vowel trapezium is helpful in teaching vowels and dipthongs with reference to position height of tongue?

The vowel trapezium, also known as the vowel quadrilateral, is a very helpful tool for teaching vowels and diphthongs with reference to the position and height of the tongue. Here's why:

1. Visual Representation: The trapezium provides a clear, visual representation of vowel positions based on the height and front-back position of the tongue. This makes it easier for learners to understand the concept of tongue placement and how it affects vowel sound.

2. Simple & Intuitive: The trapezium's simple structure, with its four corners representing the extreme positions of the tongue, makes it intuitive to grasp. Learners can easily identify the general area where a particular vowel is produced on the diagram.

3. Understanding Dipthongs: The trapezium can be expanded to include diphthongs, showing how the tongue moves during the production of these sounds. This visual representation clarifies the gliding nature of diphthongs and their starting and ending points within the vowel space.

4. Comparison and Contrast: The trapezium allows for easy comparison and contrast of vowel sounds. By seeing their positions on the diagram, learners can quickly identify similarities and differences in tongue placement and resulting sounds.

5. Pronunciation Practice: The trapezium can be used as a guide for pronunciation practice. By placing their tongues in the approximate position indicated on the diagram, learners can improve their accuracy and consistency in producing different vowels and diphthongs.

Limitations:

While the vowel trapezium is an excellent tool, it's important to acknowledge its limitations:

* Simplification: The trapezium is a simplification of a complex reality. It doesn't fully capture the nuanced movements of the tongue and other articulators involved in vowel production.

* Regional Variations: Vowel pronunciation can vary significantly depending on the speaker's dialect. The trapezium provides a general guide, but it may not accurately reflect all regional variations.

Overall:

The vowel trapezium is a valuable tool for teaching vowels and diphthongs. It provides a visual representation of tongue position, facilitating understanding and improving pronunciation accuracy. However, it's important to use the trapezium alongside other teaching methods and to acknowledge its limitations.