Vowels: Compare short a/short e

Listen to the short a sound
Listen to the short e sound

The short a and short e are often difficult to distinguish because the position of the tongue only differs slightly between these two sounds.

Compare the short a and short e sounds

The short a sound is pronounced by slightly lowering the jaw. The body of the tongue is pressed forward and the front of the tongue is low and pressed lightly into the bottom front teeth. The lips are relaxed. To transition into the short e sound, the jaw closes (raises) slightly and the body of the tongue lifts, pulling the tip of the tongue back slightly.

short a		short e
had sand pan		head send pen

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