Semi-Vowels in English /j/ & /w/

A video lesson about the semi-vowels in English: /j/ and /w/. We are also briefly going to look at /r/ – a sound that is sometimes classified as a semi-vowel or a glide. I will explain exactly what semi-vowels are and how they differ from regular vowel sounds and why they are classified as semi-vowels, although they are really consonants. We will have a look at their specific characteristics and some example words containing these two sounds.


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Billie is a pronunciation coach and English teacher based in Barcelona, Spain. She holds an MA in Communication Research & Phonology, a PGCE in Primary Education, and a Trinity College Certificate & Diploma TESOL.

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