Learn the 5 vowel sounds of the Tiv language with IPA symbols, sound descriptions, and example words.
• A /a/ — like u in sun
• E /e/ — like e in bed
• I /i/ — like ee in feet
• O /o/ — like o in orbit
• U /u/ — like oo in book
📚 Full archive: https://tiv.teamodigitalsolutions.com
#TivLanguage #TivVowels #LearnTiv #NigerianLanguage #TivPronunciation #BenueNigeria
Tiv has five vowels: a, e, i, o and u. This short lesson gives the sound of each one, and the table below lists them with an example word.
Pure, steady vowels
The most important thing about Tiv vowels is that each one keeps a single, steady sound. English vowels often glide from one sound to another, as in "go" or "day", but Tiv vowels do not. Each vowel also keeps the same sound wherever it appears in a word, which makes Tiv much easier to read aloud than English. In some words a vowel is written twice, and the doubled vowel is held longer. Length, like tone, can change the meaning of a word.
How to practise
Say the five vowels in order, holding each one steady for a full second without letting it change. Then say each example word in the table, listening for the vowel. Once the vowels are comfortable, pair them with the consonants to make simple syllables. Then go on to the tone lesson, because tone is the other half of saying Tiv vowels correctly. The alphabet page has audio for each letter.
The vowels
| Letter | Sound | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A a | /a/ said as "uh" — like u in sun, not a in cat | bar — salt |
| E e | /e/ like e in bed or net | se — we / laugh |
| I i | /i/ like ee in feet or ea in beat | ime — darkness |
| O o | /o/ like o in orbit and story | or — person |
| U u | /u/ like oo in book or look | bagu — monkey |
These tables are drawn from the archive's own records. If you spot a mistake, please tell us through the contribution form.
Be the first to comment on this lesson.