high vowel
linguistics
Also known as: close vowel
Quick Summary
In linguistics, a high vowel is a vowel sound produced with the tongue arched toward the roof of the mouth. Examples include the "i" in "machine" and the "u" in "rule." This is in contrast to low vowels, like the "a" in "father," where the tongue is flatter and lower in the mouth. Vowels are classified by tongue position (high, mid, or low) and front-to-back placement, as well as lip shape (rounded or spread). The resonant frequencies of the vocal tract, known as formants, determine a vowel's distinct sound quality.12
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