| In order to improve your American English | | | | there are many written vowels that may |
| pronunciation and reduce your accent it is critical | | | | represent this sound.wasdonedoesuswhattougha |
| that you learn to use the schwa vowel sound. In | | | | Here's how the schwa works in words with more |
| this article I will explain why. | | | | than one syllable. |
| When you are speaking English, the combination | | | | The vowels in stressed syllables usually have a |
| of stressed syllables with long clear vowels and | | | | long clear sound. However, the vowels in |
| reduced syllables with the schwa vowel sound | | | | unstressed syllables are frequently pronounced |
| help to create the rhythm of the language. This | | | | with the schwa sound. |
| rhythm is extremely important because it helps | | | | In the words below the vowel in the first syllable |
| American English speakers identify words and | | | | is stressed and the vowel in the second syllable |
| understand what you are saying. | | | | sounds like a schwa or "uh". |
| What is the schwa sound? | | | | WOman |
| The schwa is the most common vowel sound in | | | | BREAKfast |
| North American English. The schwa sounds like | | | | HOStage |
| "uh". It is pronounced with the mouth very | | | | MUFfin |
| relaxed. | | | | Remember that the combination of vowel sounds |
| The schwa sound can be represented by any | | | | in stressed and unstressed syllables creates a |
| vowel. The IPA symbol for schwa is an upside | | | | speech rhythm that helps American listeners |
| down e. | | | | identify words! Using the schwa sound for vowels |
| Here are some examples. | | | | in reduced syllables will really improve your |
| The vowel sound in each of the words below | | | | pronunciation and help people to understand you! |
| sounds like a schwa or "uh". You can see that | | | | |