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What is the ‘schwa’?
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What is the ‘schwa’?
Sound Waves Spelling 26/11/20
The schwa is the most common vowel sound in Australian English and is represented by the most letter combinations (graphemes). Although the schwa is formally taught in Sound Waves in Unit 36, it’s important to talk with students about this sound when they come across it in earlier units as it is often difficult to hear.
The er in ladder is not the same as the er in her. It is called the schwa sound. It is similar to the u un cup but softer. It is the sound of the a in final, and the e in bucket, the i in dolphin, the o in iron and the u in cactus.