R-Less Vowel #1

R-Less Vowel #1: SCHWA /ə/

The schwa is the first r-less vowel we should learn, remember that the schwa is used not only as a non rhotic vowel but appears in just about every word with more than two syllables.

Non-rhotic words with schwa, listen and (if you want) repeat.

I recommend students of the british system to pay special attention.

Centre /'sentə/

Better /'betə/

Lawyer /lɔɪə/

information /ɪnfəm'eɪʃn/

Now, this is what happens with the schwa in non-rhotic accents but, what happens with the rhotic accents?

In rhotic accents two things can happen: In american dialect it is said that the /ɹ/ sound "colours" the vowel making it shorter and giving it a quality between a /ɹ/ sound and a schwa. This is called a "coloured vowel" and the symbol is /ɚ/.

Thus information = /ɪnfɚmeɪʃn/

Center

Better = /ɚ/

Lawyer

Also the vowel in American and Canadian dialects can sometimes disappear, transforming the syllable /əɹ/ or /ɚ/ into only /ɹ/.

Thus:

Lawyer /lɒIɹ/

for /fɹ/

third /θɹd/

I would recommend students of the American system and students that can't deal with R-less vowels to do this with schwa and the next sound (February 8).

Remember to consult a dictionary in case you need it.