An open vowel is defined as a vowel sound in which the tongue is positioned as far as possible from the roof of the mouth. Open vowels are sometimes also called low vowels in reference to the low position of the tongue. The open vowels identified in the International Phonetic Alphabet are:
- open front unrounded vowel
- open front rounded vowel
- open central unrounded vowel
- open back unrounded vowel
- open back rounded vowel
In the context of the phonology of any particular language, a low vowel can be any vowel that is more open than a mid vowel. That is, open-mid vowels, near-open vowels, and open vowels can all be considered low vowels.
Open vowels are used in nearly all spoken languages (one exception is Arapaho).
Famous quotes containing the words open and/or vowel:
“The Moor is of a free and open nature,
That thinks men honest that but seem to be so,
And will as tenderly be led by the nose
As asses are.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“Brute animals have the vowel sounds; man only can utter consonants.”
—Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834)