The sound /ʊ/ (near-close back rounded vowel) is a very common vowel sound in the English language. It is the vowel sound in words such as: –
‘could’
‘push’
‘pull’
The /u:/ sound is another common vowel sound which is pronounced with a drawn out ‘oo‘ sound and with the lips pushed slightly further out.
Some words that are spelt with a double ‘o‘ use the /u:/ sound: –
‘too‘
‘boo‘
‘root’
However, there are some words spelt with a double ‘o‘ that are pronounced with the /ʊ/ sound instead: –
‘book’
‘took’
‘look’
A common problem is mistaking these two sounds. This is a common problem with some learners of eastern European languages (as well as with students from other areas). Let’s practise these ʊ tongue twisters to help improve this area.
