Pronuncian: American English Pronunciation
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Pronuncian: American English Pronunciation

Learn to Pronounce the 'short a' sound /æ/

To pronounce the 'short a' /æ/ (the sound in 'cat') the front of the tongue is kept low and pushed forward in the mouth.

Pronuncian: American English Pronunciation
  • Lessons/
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 Introduction to Short Vowels > How to pronounce 'short a' /æ/  > Common 'short a' /æ/ spellings > Practice pronouncing 'short a' /æ/

How to pronounce the 'short a' /æ/

'short a' illustration

'short a' illustration

The front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

 
Watch our video about pronouncing the short a sound.

Watch our video about pronouncing the short a sound.

 

Listen to the 'short a'

 

More ‘short a' material

  • Learn how to spell the 'short a' sound
  • PRACTICE! Listen to and repeat after 'short a' practice words
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Pronuncian: American English Pronunciation

Learn and practice American English pronunciation with free online lessons and videos. Minimal pairs and listen-and repeat practice helps English Language Learners speak English more fluently and achieve accent reduction.

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