What is a diphthong?

A diphthong is defined as two vowel sounds that are blended together within a single syllable. This occurs when the tongue glides from one vowel sound to another while producing a sound, creating a unique phonetic quality that is not merely a transition between two separate vowel sounds. For instance, in words like “coin” or “loud,” the vowel sounds shift within the syllable, demonstrating how diphthongs function in spoken language.

Understanding what constitutes a diphthong can aid in tasks such as phonics instruction and pronunciation practice, helping learners recognize and produce these sounds accurately in words. This knowledge is particularly relevant in reading approaches where phonetic awareness is crucial for developing reading fluency and comprehension.