The Open A is the same as the Short O in standard American English. What is standard American? It is the dialect that came out of the midwest region which was popularized by the film industry, especially Disney. Since Disney specializes in family films, this dialect rapidly spread and became accepted across the U.S. Though we still have many regional dialects, they are less strong than they used to be. If a young person from a small town wants to get upwardly mobile, that person will study standard American.
The Open A sound is simply the a in father. This is made with the jaw open and everything relaxed. The jaw should not be stretched open; in that case, the throat will become tight. It should be in a relaxed open state. Singers love this vowel because it is easy on the throat. It is also a long sound meaning we hold it longer than a truly short sound like the schwa.
In some regions of the U.S., especially around New York, there are dialects in which various words ranging from father to law will have a more rounded sound like a soft O. If you live there, you might want to use that sound. However, it can be easier to stick with standard American. Consistency is the best policy with pronunciation.
Practice with the video here.
| partnership | bargain |
| farce | wander |
| audience | chart |
| jargon | call |
| quality | awkward |
| daughter | ardent |
| audit | harmony |
| fraud | star |
| carbon | charge |
Words/Phrases with stress on the 2nd syllable: autonomous, withdrawn, a far cry, alarming, already.
Words/Phrases with stress on the 3rd syllable: hall of fame.
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