The language has five primary vowels, each pronounced clearly and consistently. There are also combinations with w and y that are treated as diphthongs or vowel blends. These sounds are regular and never shift the way English vowels do.
a – 'at
Like "a" in psalm, never as in apple.
Like "a" in psalm, never as in apple.
e – 'et
Like "e" in pet.
Like "e" in pet.
I – 'It
Like "i" in bit.
Like "i" in bit.
o – 'ot
Like "o" in go.
Like "o" in go.
u – 'ut
Like "u" in prune.
Like "u" in prune.
Vowel + w Combinations
- aw – rhymes with English "cow"
- ew – like "e" in "bed" blended into a "w" (Elmer Fudd: “tewwible”)
- Iw – like "i" in "bit" run into "w"; close to "Eww!"
Vowel + y Combinations
- ay – rhymes with English "why"
- ey – rhymes with English "may"
- Iy – rhymes with English "key"
- oy – rhymes with English "boy"
- uy – like "gooey" but compressed into one syllable
Vowels are always pronounced fully and never reduced. There's no vowel slurring or silent letters.