The diphthong you're referring to is the /aʊ/ sound, which is a common diphthong in English. It appears in words like:

• now (/naʊ/)

• flower (/ˈflaʊ.ər/)

• hour (/ˈaʊ.ər/)

• mouth (/maʊθ/)

Characteristics of the /aʊ/ Diphthong:

Articulation:

• It starts with an open, low vowel sound similar to /a/ (as in "father").

• The tongue then glides upward toward a near-close back vowel /ʊ/ (as in "put").

• The lips may start unrounded and become slightly rounded as the sound shifts.

Spelling Patterns:

• "ow" – now, cow, how, flower

• "ou" – mouth, house, loud, hour

•  "ough" in British English "bough" or "plough")

Variations in Pronunciation:

In some dialects (e.g., Canadian English, Northern U.S.), the starting vowel may sound more fronted, almost like /æʊ/ (e.g., "about" sounding like "a-boot").

In Southern American English, it may be monophthongized to /æː/ or /aː/ (e.g., "now" sounding like "naah").

Common Mistakes:

• Non-native speakers might confuse it with /oʊ/ (as in "no") or pronounce it as a pure vowel.

• Some may also misplace stress, making it sound unnatural.

• Would you like examples of minimal pairs (words that contrast /aʊ/ with other sounds) or further clarification?

Exercise Title: "The Great /aʊ/ Challenge: Korean vs. English Sounds"

(Targeted at common Korean pronunciation struggles, like replacing /aʊ/ with ㅏ+ㅜ or struggling with the glide.)

Part 1: Sound Comparison & Awareness

Goal: Highlight the difference between Korean approximations and the English /aʊ/.

• Listen & Repeat Contrast Pairs:

  • • Korean: "아우" (a-u) vs. English: /aʊ/ ("ow")

  • Example words:

    • Korean-style: "나우" (na-u) vs. English: "now" (/naʊ/)

    • Korean-style: "파우" (pa-u) vs. English: "pow" (/paʊ/)

Do you hear how the English version glides smoothly?

Part 2: Fun Controlled Practice

Goal: Isolate and practice /aʊ/ in words/sentences.

• "Crazy Cow" Tongue Twister:

• • "How now, brown cow? Loud sounds all around town!"

Drill slowly, then speed up. Focus on linking the glide in how-now, brown-cow.

• Emotional /aʊ/ Roleplay:

Say these with exaggerated emotion (happy, surprised, angry):

• "Wow! A flower!"

• "Ouch! My mouth!"

• "How about now?"

Part 3: Communicative Activity

Goal: Use /aʊ/ naturally in conversation.

"The /aʊ/ Interview" (Pair Work):

• Partner A asks questions using /aʊ/ words:

• "What do you do around town for fun?"

• "How do you react when you see a mouse?"

• "What’s your favorite flower?"

Partner B answers using at least one /aʊ/ word:

• "I go downtown to watch clouds!"

• "I shout, ‘Wow!’"

Bonus: Record answers and listen for the diphthong’s glide.

Korean-Specific Tip:

Avoid substituting ㅏ+ㅜ ("ah-oo")—remind students the English sound is one smooth motion, not two separate vowels.