/ʌ/ and /æ/

[daniel_in_hk]

trust /trʌst/
truffle /ˈtrʌfl/
travel /ˈtrævl/
traffic /ˈtræfɪk/

Hi everybody, I got some problem when i check with the pronunciation about the word "travel". As the vowel /æ/, the sound should create in the front part of my mouth. However, when I listen the sound file in dictionary, it is most likely /trʌ/, because it sound create in the middle part of my mouth. So, I try to find out some word including /trʌ/ and /træ/, all of them come up with the same problem.
Could any teacher teach me the correct way to pronounce the /ʌ/ and /æ/? Thanks so much~~

[hoandt]

trust /trʌst/
truffle /ˈtrʌfl/
travel /ˈtrævl/
traffic /ˈtræfɪk/

Could any teacher teach me the correct way to pronounce the /ʌ/ and /æ/? Thanks so much~~

/æ/:open your mouth like "" (maybe wider) and keep your tongue flat.

/ʌ/ is pronunced as /er/ but you have to open your mouth as wide as /æ/

[Layo0ol]

I agree with hoandt

in this picture shows you what your lips look like when you make these sounds

for more information you can look at this :

http://www.englishonline.org.cn/file...rt_black_0.swf

I hope this can help you
good luck

[BobK]

This problem had been discussed in another thread; I can't find it right now, but it was quite recent (last month, probably) and had a subject line very similar to this. In fact, I think it also mentioned the word 'trust' - so perhaps the same person asked.

b

[daniel_in_hk]

Thanks all~

Sorry i still have some problem. According to the link from Layo0ol and description from hoandt. i figure out that /ʌ/ and /æ/ are open mouth like "" but /æ/ need to put the tongue on the back of the lower teeth (i heard it from the link from Layo0ol), am i right?

If yes, could you please listen the sound file of word "travel" from google dictionary or Merriam online, is it sound /ʌ/ or /æ/?

Thanks~~

[carlan79]

you won't be confused anymore when you open your nose and mouth to pronounce /æ/. you'll find out that the sound changes.