record_voice_over Alphabet and tones

The oral vowels of Fongbe

fɔ̀ngbè has 7 distinct oral vowels. Two letters — ɛ and ɔ — do not exist in English or French. Mastering them is the key to good pronunciation.

schedule 5 min
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1
List

The 7 oral vowels

aas in French “papa”
eas in French “blé”
ɛas in French “père” (open)
ias in French “midi”
oas in French “beau”
ɔas in French “bol” (open)
uas in French “fou”
2
The two special ones

ɛ and ɔ — open vowels

ɛ (epsilon) and ɔ (open o) are “more open” vowels than their neighbors e and o. In the mouth:

e vs ɛe = mouth closed; ɛ = mouth more open
o vs ɔo = round mouth; ɔ = wide mouth
fɔ̀ngbè
Fon language — open ɔ, low tone

This lesson on video, with a native speaker: Parlons Fongbe Academy — 79 video lessons with a native speaker.Discover

3
In practice

Minimal pairs to know

These pairs change meaning depending on the vowel:

gbe vs gbɛlife vs to leave
do vs dɔsaid vs sleep
ko vs kɔneck vs to refuse
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Tip

Learners often confuse e/ɛ and o/ɔ. Open your mouth slightly wider for the open variants; that solves 90% of the problem.

7 vowels, 2 to really master

Invest 15 minutes in ɛ and ɔ — these 2 open vowels make the difference between a recognizable accent and natural pronunciation.

A fɔn ganji à ?
« Did you wake up well? » — lesson 1, free
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