Asang (Khongso) Pronunciation Guide
1. Basic Vowels
Vowel Short Sound IPA Example Long Sound IPA Example
A short "a" [a] pa = father long "aa" [aː] papar = dad
E short "e" [ɛ] et = cut long "ay/ei" [eː] kabe = heat
I short "i" [ɪ] ih = sleep long "ii" [iː] takhii = wind
O short "o" [ɔ] oh = exist long "oo" [oː] angpho = tired
U short "u" [ʊ] ut = sink long "uu" [uː] tuu = forest/sheep
Note: Long vowels are written by repeating the vowel (aa, ee, ii, oo, uu).
2. Diphthongs (Vowel Combinations)
Diphthong Pronunciation IPA Example
ai like “eye” [ai̯] kai = I/me
ae like “ay” in say [eː] / [æ] mae = one/mountain
au like “ow” in cow [au̯] Naut = rot/decay
aw like “aw” in saw [aw] taw = forest/mountains
ue not in Burmese [ɥe] / [yɛ] tuem uer = shaky voice
ui like “we” [ui̯] ui/tui = dog/water
oe not in Burmese [øː] / [œ] khoeh = strong
oi like “oy” in boy [oi̯] kaoi = to long for/yearn
oa like “aw” (close to au) [ɔa] loa = is/are
3. Verb Placement Reminder
Main Clause: Verb usually comes last.
Imperative: Verb usually comes first.
Subordinate Clause: Verb depends on the connector.
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