Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

Mid vowel Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Home Return to Study Hints Random
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): Vowel and Consonant Systems

Cheat Sheet:
International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): Vowel and Consonant Systems Study Guide

IPA Vowel Classification Principles

Mid vowels are characterized by the tongue being positioned significantly lower than for open vowels.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mid vowels are phonetically defined by the tongue position being approximately midway between the positions for open vowels (lowest tongue position) and close vowels (highest tongue position). Therefore, they are not positioned significantly lower than open vowels.

Return to Game

Close-mid vowels and open-mid vowels are positioned at the exact same height in the IPA vowel space.

Answer: False

Explanation: Close-mid and open-mid vowels occupy distinct positions within the IPA vowel space, representing different degrees of tongue height. They are not at the exact same height.

Return to Game

The IPA chart includes categories for vowel height, backness, and rounding.

Answer: True

Explanation: The IPA vowel chart systematically organizes vowels based on three primary articulatory dimensions: height (how high the tongue is), backness (how far forward or back the tongue is), and rounding (whether the lips are rounded).

Return to Game

The dot symbol (•) in the IPA vowel chart legend indicates a rounded vowel.

Answer: False

Explanation: The dot symbol (•) in the IPA vowel chart legend signifies an unrounded vowel. Rounded vowels are typically indicated by a different symbol or convention.

Return to Game

The IPA chart lists seven main categories for vowel height.

Answer: True

Explanation: The IPA vowel chart categorizes vowel height into seven primary levels: Close, Near-close, Close-mid, Mid, Open-mid, Near-open, and Open.

Return to Game

The IPA chart lists only two main categories for vowel backness: Front and Back.

Answer: False

Explanation: The IPA chart lists three main categories for vowel backness: Front, Central, and Back.

Return to Game

According to the source, what is the defining characteristic of a mid vowel's tongue position?

Answer: The tongue is positioned approximately midway between open and close vowel positions.

Explanation: Mid vowels are phonetically defined by the tongue's position being approximately midway between the articulatory positions for open vowels (lowest tongue position) and close vowels (highest tongue position).

Return to Game

Which of the following is an alternative name sometimes used for mid vowels?

Answer: Raised open-mid vowels

Explanation: Mid vowels are sometimes referred to descriptively as raised open-mid vowels or lowered close-mid vowels, indicating their position relative to these established categories.

Return to Game

How does the IPA chart position close-mid and open-mid vowels relative to open and close vowels?

Answer: They are positioned equidistant in formant space between open and close vowels.

Explanation: The IPA vowel space is structured such that close-mid and open-mid vowels are positioned approximately equidistant in formant space between the extreme open and close vowel positions.

Return to Game

What do the three main backness categories for vowels in the IPA chart include?

Answer: Front, Central, Back

Explanation: The IPA chart organizes vowels by backness into three primary categories: Front, Central, and Back.

Return to Game

What does the dot symbol (•) signify in the context of the IPA vowel chart legend?

Answer: Unrounded vowel

Explanation: The dot symbol (•) in the IPA vowel chart legend signifies an unrounded vowel. Its presence indicates that the vowel sound is produced without rounding of the lips.

Return to Game

IPA Vowel Symbols and Language Examples

The IPA symbol [\u0259] is exclusively used for the mid front rounded vowel.

Answer: False

Explanation: The IPA symbol [\u0259], commonly known as schwa, represents the mid central unrounded vowel, not the mid front rounded vowel.

Return to Game

A true mid front unrounded vowel can only be transcribed using a raising diacritic on an open-mid vowel symbol.

Answer: False

Explanation: A true mid front unrounded vowel can be transcribed either as a lowered close-mid vowel (e.g., e̞) or as a raised open-mid vowel (e.g., ɛ̝). It is not restricted solely to the latter method.

Return to Game

The Kensiu language is known for commonly contrasting only two heights of mid vowels (close-mid and open-mid).

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kensiu language is noted for its unusual phonemic contrast of true-mid vowels alongside close-mid and open-mid vowels, rather than limiting itself to just two heights.

Return to Game

The Kensiu language is spoken primarily in Indonesia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kensiu language is spoken primarily in Malaysia and Thailand, not Indonesia.

Return to Game

The IPA symbol [\u0275] represents a mid central protruded vowel.

Answer: False

Explanation: The IPA symbol [\u0275] primarily represents a mid central rounded vowel. While it can be associated with protruded articulation in some contexts, its primary designation is for rounding.

Return to Game

The Kensiu language's contrast of true-mid vowels with other mid vowels is solely based on differences in lip rounding.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kensiu language's unique mid vowel contrast is notable precisely because it does NOT rely on differences in lip rounding or backness, but rather on distinctions in tongue height among the mid vowels.

Return to Game

The IPA symbol 'a' in the Kensiu oral vowels table represents the open front unrounded vowel.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to the Kensiu oral vowels table provided, the IPA symbol 'a' is indeed used to represent the open front unrounded vowel.

Return to Game

The IPA symbol '\u00f8\u031d' is listed for the close-mid front rounded vowel in the Kensiu oral vowels table.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Kensiu oral vowels table lists the IPA symbol '\u00f8\u031d' for the close-mid front rounded vowel.

Return to Game

The IPA symbol '\u00e3' represents the open front unrounded nasal vowel in the Kensiu nasal vowels table.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Kensiu nasal vowels table indicates that the IPA symbol '\u00e3' represents the open front unrounded nasal vowel.

Return to Game

The IPA symbol [o\u031e] is the primary symbol for the mid back rounded vowel, without the use of diacritics.

Answer: False

Explanation: The IPA symbol [o\u031e] represents a lowered mid back rounded vowel, requiring a diacritic. The primary symbol for a mid back rounded vowel, potentially with a raising diacritic, is [ɔ̝].

Return to Game

What is the primary IPA symbol designated for the mid central vowel, commonly known as schwa?

Answer: [\u0259]

Explanation: The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) has a dedicated symbol for the mid central unrounded vowel, commonly known as schwa, which is represented as [\u0259].

Return to Game

Which language is cited as unusual for phonemically contrasting true-mid vowels with close-mid and open-mid vowels?

Answer: Kensiu

Explanation: The Kensiu language, spoken in Malaysia and Thailand, is specifically cited for its rare phonemic contrast between true-mid vowels and the more common close-mid and open-mid vowels, without relying on other phonetic distinctions.

Return to Game

What are the two primary IPA transcription methods mentioned for a true mid front unrounded vowel?

Answer: Using a lowered close-mid vowel symbol (e.g., e\u031e) or a raised open-mid vowel symbol (e.g., \u025b\u031d).

Explanation: The IPA provides two primary methods for transcribing a true mid front unrounded vowel: either by using a close-mid vowel symbol with a lowering diacritic (e.g., e̞) or by using an open-mid vowel symbol with a raising diacritic (e.g., ɛ̝).

Return to Game

What does the IPA symbol [\u0275] primarily represent according to the source?

Answer: Mid central rounded vowel

Explanation: The IPA symbol [\u0275] primarily represents a mid central rounded vowel. While it can be associated with protruded articulation in some contexts, its primary designation is for rounding.

Return to Game

In the Kensiu oral vowels table, what IPA symbol represents the close front unrounded vowel?

Answer: [i]

Explanation: According to the Kensiu oral vowels table, the IPA symbol 'i' represents the close front unrounded vowel.

Return to Game

According to the Kensiu nasal vowels table, what is the IPA symbol for the close-mid back rounded nasal vowel?

Answer: [\u00f5\u031d]

Explanation: The Kensiu nasal vowels table lists the IPA symbol '\u00f5\u031d' for the close-mid back rounded nasal vowel.

Return to Game

The Kensiu language's unique mid vowel contrast is notable because it does NOT rely on differences in:

Answer: Backness or roundedness

Explanation: The Kensiu language's unique mid vowel contrast is notable precisely because it does NOT rely on differences in lip rounding or backness, but rather on distinctions in tongue height among the mid vowels.

Return to Game

What is the IPA symbol for a mid central unrounded vowel, commonly known as schwa?

Answer: [ə]

Explanation: The IPA symbol [\u0259], commonly known as schwa, represents the mid central unrounded vowel.

Return to Game

What is the IPA symbol for a mid back rounded vowel, potentially indicated using a raising diacritic?

Answer: [\u0254\u031d]

Explanation: The IPA symbol [ɔ̝] represents a mid back rounded vowel, often indicated using a raising diacritic on the open-mid symbol [ɔ].

Return to Game

The Kensiu oral vowels table lists the symbol 'a' for which vowel?

Answer: Open front unrounded vowel

Explanation: According to the Kensiu oral vowels table, the IPA symbol 'a' represents the open front unrounded vowel.

Return to Game

IPA Consonant Classification Principles

Which of the following is listed as a primary place of articulation for pulmonic consonants in the IPA chart?

Answer: All of the above

Explanation: The IPA chart categorizes pulmonic consonants by place of articulation, including Labial, Coronal, Dorsal, and Laryngeal. Therefore, 'All of the above' is the correct response as these represent primary categories.

Return to Game

Which of the following is listed as a primary manner of articulation for pulmonic consonants?

Answer: Sibilant fricative

Explanation: The IPA chart lists numerous primary manners of articulation for pulmonic consonants, including Nasal, Plosive, Fricative (sibilant and non-sibilant), Approximant, and others. 'Sibilant fricative' is one such primary manner.

Return to Game

IPA Consonant Symbols and Articulations

The IPA symbol 'm' represents a voiceless bilabial nasal consonant.

Answer: False

Explanation: The IPA symbol 'm' represents a voiced bilabial nasal consonant. Voiceless nasal consonants are not typically found in human languages.

Return to Game

The IPA symbol 't' denotes a voiceless alveolar plosive.

Answer: True

Explanation: The IPA symbol 't' is indeed the standard representation for a voiceless alveolar plosive.

Return to Game

The symbol '\u0263' (gamma) represents a voiced velar fricative.

Answer: True

Explanation: The IPA symbol '\u0263', often referred to as gamma, is the standard symbol for a voiced velar fricative.

Return to Game

A voiceless postalveolar affricate is represented by the IPA symbol 't\u0283'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The IPA symbol 't\u0283' correctly denotes a voiceless postalveolar affricate.

Return to Game

The IPA symbol '\u029b' represents a voiced uvular implosive.

Answer: True

Explanation: The IPA symbol '\u029b' is the standard representation for a voiced uvular implosive.

Return to Game

A voiceless bilabial trill is commonly represented by the IPA symbol 'p\u0299'.

Answer: False

Explanation: A voiceless bilabial trill is represented by the IPA symbol 'p\u0299\u0325'. The symbol 'p\u0299' alone is not standard for this sound.

Return to Game

The IPA symbol 'j' is used for a voiceless palatal approximant.

Answer: False

Explanation: The IPA symbol 'j' represents a voiced palatal approximant. A voiceless palatal approximant is typically represented by 'ç'.

Return to Game

The IPA symbol 'f' represents a voiced labiodental fricative.

Answer: False

Explanation: The IPA symbol 'f' represents a voiceless labiodental fricative. Its voiced counterpart is represented by 'v'.

Return to Game

The IPA symbol 'l' denotes a voiced alveolar lateral approximant.

Answer: True

Explanation: The IPA symbol 'l' is the standard representation for a voiced alveolar lateral approximant.

Return to Game

The IPA symbol 'k\u02bc' represents a voiceless velar stop produced using pulmonic airflow.

Answer: False

Explanation: The IPA symbol 'k\u02bc' represents a voiceless velar ejective stop. Ejectives are produced with glottalic egressive airflow, not pulmonic airflow.

Return to Game

The IPA symbol for a voiced palatal approximant is 'j'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The IPA symbol 'j' is indeed used to represent the voiced palatal approximant.

Return to Game

The IPA symbol for a voiceless velar ejective stop is 'k\u02bc'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The IPA symbol 'k\u02bc' correctly denotes a voiceless velar ejective stop.

Return to Game

What is the IPA symbol for a voiced bilabial nasal consonant?

Answer: [m]

Explanation: The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) designates the symbol 'm' to represent the voiced bilabial nasal consonant.

Return to Game

Which IPA symbol represents a voiceless alveolar plosive?

Answer: [t]

Explanation: The IPA symbol 't' is the standard representation for a voiceless alveolar plosive.

Return to Game

The IPA symbol '\u0263' (gamma) is used to represent which type of consonant sound?

Answer: Voiced velar fricative

Explanation: The IPA symbol '\u0263', often referred to as gamma, is the standard symbol for a voiced velar fricative.

Return to Game

What is the IPA symbol for a voiceless postalveolar affricate?

Answer: [t\u0283]

Explanation: The IPA symbol 't\u0283' correctly denotes a voiceless postalveolar affricate.

Return to Game

Which IPA symbol represents a voiced uvular implosive?

Answer: [\u029b]

Explanation: The IPA symbol '\u029b' is the standard representation for a voiced uvular implosive.

Return to Game

The IPA symbol 'j' represents which sound?

Answer: Voiced palatal approximant

Explanation: The IPA symbol 'j' represents a voiced palatal approximant. A voiceless palatal approximant is typically represented by 'ç'.

Return to Game

What is the IPA symbol for a voiceless labiodental fricative?

Answer: [f]

Explanation: The IPA symbol 'f' represents a voiceless labiodental fricative. Its voiced counterpart is represented by 'v'.

Return to Game

Which IPA symbol represents a voiced alveolar lateral approximant?

Answer: [l]

Explanation: The IPA symbol 'l' is the standard representation for a voiced alveolar lateral approximant.

Return to Game

The IPA symbol 'k\u02bc' denotes a consonant with which combination of features?

Answer: Voiceless, velar, ejective stop

Explanation: The IPA symbol 'k\u02bc' represents a voiceless velar ejective stop. Ejectives are characterized by a glottalic egressive airflow.

Return to Game

The IPA symbol 'p\u0299\u0325' represents which sound?

Answer: Voiceless bilabial trill

Explanation: The IPA symbol 'p\u0299\u0325' correctly denotes a voiceless bilabial trill.

Return to Game

What is the IPA symbol for a voiced labial-velar nasal?

Answer: [\u014b\u0361m]

Explanation: The IPA symbol '\u014b\u0361m' represents a voiced labial-velar nasal.

Return to Game

IPA Chart Conventions and Notation

Shaded areas in the IPA consonant chart indicate impossible articulations.

Answer: True

Explanation: The IPA consonant chart employs shaded regions to denote combinations of place and manner of articulation that are considered phonetically impossible to produce.

Return to Game

Voiced consonants are always shown to the left of voiceless consonants within the same cell of the IPA consonant chart.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the IPA consonant chart, voiceless consonants are typically represented by symbols on the left side of a cell, while their voiced counterparts are represented by symbols on the right side of the same cell.

Return to Game

In the IPA consonant chart, what do shaded areas signify?

Answer: Articulations that are impossible to produce.

Explanation: The shaded areas within the IPA consonant chart denote combinations of place and manner of articulation that are considered phonetically impossible to produce.

Return to Game

How are voiced and voiceless consonants typically differentiated in the IPA chart cells?

Answer: Voiceless consonants are on the left, voiced on the right.

Explanation: In the IPA consonant chart, voiceless consonants are typically represented by symbols on the left side of a cell, while their voiced counterparts are represented by symbols on the right side of the same cell.

Return to Game