|
Diphthongs
A
diphthong is the combination of a weak and a
strong vowel becoming one sound. In Zarma three vowels are use to form
diphthong with a consonant: "a", "e", and "o".
The consonants are "y" and "w".
The
diphthongs are: ay aw ey
oy |
|
Diphthongs
| Diphthong |
Pronunciation |
Example |
|
ay
|
It may be long as the "i" in ice.
When short, it has no exact parallel in English. The "a" of it is the short "neutral" vowel as in
sonata, combined with a short "y".
Must be learned by ear. |
ay, kay, may
bay, way, day |
|
aw
|
like the "ou" in house, quit quickly.
In a few exceptions it is similar to the "ow" in row. |
caw, jaw, haw
diraw |
|
ey
|
Is like the "ey" in hey! |
feym, dangey, ngey |
|
oy
|
Is generally to our ears, like the "uay" in quaver.
In a few rare words it is like the "oy" in boy |
koy, foy, haggoy
boy, doy |
|
|
 |
|
Last updated:
28 december 2006
|
|
|
|