Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Ambiguous Vowel Sequence

Definition: 

An ambiguous vowel sequence is a phonetic string (segment or sequence) that may be interpreted as a:

  • diphthong
  • two separate vowels, or
  • a vowel and a consonant.
See Also: 
Additional Information: 

 

Here are some kinds of ambiguous vowels sequences with an example of each:

Ambiguous vowel sequence

Example

Vocalic sequence in which one member is close

[ai]

Complex vowel

[y]

Modified vowels
  • Nasalized
  • Retroflexed
  • Breathy
  • Laryngealized (creaky)
  • [e)]
  • [eÕ]
  • [e-]
  • [e0]