Diphthongs /oi/ and /oy/ Pronunciation

In today's lesson, we'll dive into the pronunciation of the "oi" sound—also represented by the "oy" combination. There are two letter combinations that produce this distinct sound, and we'll get started by exploring these combos and practicing their pronunciation in various words.

The "oi" Sound

To correctly pronounce the "oi" sound, you'll need to blend the following letters quickly:

Together, this combination forms the sound "oi," as in "oil."

Word Examples:

Oil

Say "oil" repeatedly: oil, oil, oil, oil, oil.

Coil

Repeat: coil, coil, coil.

Boil

Practice saying: boil, boil, boil.

Ointment

Practice: ointment, ointment, ointment.

The "oy" Sound

In addition to "oi," we also have the "oy" combination:

Turquoise

Pronounce turquoise: turquoise, turquoise, turquoise.

Other Examples:

Soy

Repeat the word: soy.

Royal

Say: royal, royal, royal.

Toy

Practice: toy.

Corduroy

Say: corduroy, corduroy, corduroy.

Examples in Sentences

Royal oil.
Soy royalty.
Boil turquoise ointment.
Oyster, corduroy, buoyant.

Glottal Stops

When pronouncing certain words, like "ointment," be mindful of the glottal stop:

Say: ointment, ointment.
Oyster, buoyant.

Conclusion

This concludes our lesson on the pronunciation of the "oi" and "oy" sounds. These sounds frequently appear in English, especially in FCE (First Certificate in English) vocabulary. If you're preparing for the FCE or know someone who is, this lesson should be particularly useful.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, feel free to post them in the comments section below. You can also find me on Facebook. My websites will be back up and running soon, thanks to feedback and suggestions from fellow English teachers. See you next week!

Keywords

Diphthongs
Pronunciation
"oi" sound
"oy" sound
Glottal stop
FCE vocabulary

FAQ

Q: What is a glottal stop? A: A glottal stop is a type of consonantal sound used in many spoken languages. It is produced by obstructing airflow in the vocal tract.

Q: What are some common words that use the "oi" and "oy" sounds? A: Common words include oil, coil, boil, ointment, turquoise, soy, royal, toy, and corduroy.

Q: Why is the "oi" sound important for FCE vocabulary? A: Many words in the FCE vocabulary list contain these sounds, making it crucial for students preparing for the exam to master their pronunciation.

Q: How do you pronounce "ointment" correctly? A: Say it as: ointment, while paying attention to the glottal stop in the middle of the word.