ɜːVowels
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/ɜː/
· · ·
Long central sound. Tongue relaxed in middle of mouth, neutral lips. Like 'ir' in 'bird'.
Example words
her
bird
turn
nurse
How to make the sound
Keep the tongue raised in the center, slightly curl or bunch it without touching, and sustain the vowel.
What to feel and listen for
The tongue stays away from the roof. In rhotic accents, a light /r/ quality is audible.
Common mistake: Do not reduce the stressed vowel to a weak schwa.
See how it differs