What defines a diphthong?

A diphthong is defined as a blend of two vowel sounds that occur within the same syllable. This linguistic feature involves the smooth transition from one vowel sound to another, creating a unique sound that is distinct from a single vowel. For example, in the word "coin," the vowel sounds in the combination of "o" and "i" glide together, making it a diphthong.

Understanding diphthongs is important in phonetics and language pronunciation, as they play a significant role in how vowel sounds are articulated and perceived in speech. Recognizing that diphthongs consist of two vowel sounds merging together helps learners and educators focus on the nuances of language, especially for ESL students who may encounter challenges with vowel pronunciation in English.