Sound Contrast: /æ/ vs. /a/

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Listen to the difference between the vowel sounds (/æ/ vs. /a/) in the following pairs of words.

  • add add | odd odd
  • an an | on on
  • clad clad | clod clod
  • gash gash | gosh gosh
  • jab jab | job job
  • lack lack | lock lock
  • lag lag | log log
  • last last | lost lost
  • map map | mop mop
  • pat pat | pot pot
  • ramp ramp | romp romp
  • tack tack | talk talk

Depending on your native language distinguishing the difference can be very easy or very difficult.

Test your ability to hear the difference between /æ/ and /a/.

Instructions: listen to the word and then pick the best match.

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