American English Sounds - UR [_] Vowel - How to make the UR as in BIRD Vowel

The video tutorial explains how to produce the IRR sound in American English, often described as the vowel version of the 'are' consonant. It details the articulation process, including tongue and lip positions, and highlights the challenges in pronunciation due to visual limitations. The tutorial distinguishes between stressed and unstressed IRR sounds, emphasizing differences in pitch and jaw movement. It provides practice with example words and concludes with a summary of the key points.

What is the IRR sound often compared to in terms of consonants?

• The 'sh' consonant

• The 'are' consonant

• The 'ee' vowel

• The 'oo' vowel

Which part of the tongue is involved in making the IRR sound?

• The tip of the tongue

• The middle part of the tongue

• The back of the tongue

• The sides of the tongue

Why is the IRR sound considered difficult to produce?

• Because it involves rapid tongue movement

• Because it requires a high pitch

• Because it is similar to the 'ee' sound

• Because the lip position hides the tongue position

In a stressed syllable, how does the IRR vowel behave?

• It remains flat

• It becomes quieter

• It is pronounced faster

• It curves up, then down

What is a key difference between stressed and unstressed IRR vowels?

• Unstressed vowels have more jaw drop

• Unstressed vowels are louder

• Stressed vowels are shorter

• Stressed vowels have more jaw drop