2.2- Instructions: How to Use 1 and 2 Letter Vowels (Ntawv Suab)

Lesson Objective

• Understand the role of vowels in the formation of a Hmong word.
• Introduction to the six 1 Letter Vowels.
• Introduction to the eight 2 Letter Vowels.

Instructions

• The steps of using vowels in forming a Hmong word (diagram):
• Vowels are the main sound of a Hmong word. (Step 1a; example “o” is main sound of the word “o” which means swollen.)
• Vowels can be modified by adding a beginning sound to it. In written form, this is denoted by adding a consonant before the vowel. (Step 2a; adding “p” consonant before the vowel “o” makes the word “po” which means spleen.)
• Vowels can be modified by having its pitch changed. In written form, this is denoted by example adding a vowel pitch modifier after the vowel. (Step 3a; example add the vowel pitch modifier “b” to the vowel “o” makes the word “ob” which means two.
• Vowels can be modified by both adding a beginning sound to it and/or by having its pitch changed. This is denoted by adding a consonant before the vowel and by adding a vowel pitch modifier after the vowel. (Step 2a and step 3a; the vowel “o” with the consonant “p” and vowel pitch modifier “b” added makes the word “pob” which means bump.
• Note: Not all vowels are actual words. Not all combinations of consonants, vowels, and vowel pitch modifiers makes a word. For example, the vowel “a” by itself is not a word.
• There are six 1-Letter Vowels. They are:
  • a, e, i, o, u, w
    • Helpful hint: These are the same as English vowels with the addition of the “w.”
• There are eight 2-Letter Vowels. They are:
  • aa, ai, au, aw, ee, ia, oo, ua
    • Helpful hint: These vowel almost have a “two syllable” sound to them.
• All vowels, although at different sounds, are pronounced at the same pitch level. This may not make too much sense at this time. But, this will be important later in Unit 4, where we will learn about how Vowel Pitch Modifier changes the pitch of Vowels to other specifically designated pitch.

***Goal: Use the flashcards to memorize the sounds of each vowel and its associated word.

Interactive Flashcards

Interactive Digital Flashcards for Instructions on How to Use 1 and 2 Letter Vowels