In this video lesson, we will learn all about one of the most important vowel sound in English: the schwa. Represented by /ə/ and sounding like a relaxed “uh,” the schwa is key to mastering natural English speech and is also often called the central vowel sound.

The schwa sound is the most common vowel sound in English – apparently 30% of all sounds we produce when we speak are simply a schwa! Shocking, isn’t it?

The schwa is a short, neutral sound that occurs in unstressed syllables, like the “a” in “sofa” or the “e” in “taken.” The schwa is often described as a relaxed sound because it is produced without tension in the vocal cords. It can be found in many different positions within words. Its flexibility makes it an important part of the rhythm of spoken English.

Here are examples of the schwa sound in different positions within words:

• Initial position:
  about /əˈbaʊt/
• Medial position:
  customer /ˈkʌs.tə.mə/
  energy /ˈen.ə.dʒi/
• Final position:
  banana /bəˈnɑːnə/
  doctor /ˈdɒk.tə/
  sofa /ˈsəʊ.fə/

In connected speech when we speak fast, the schwa often appears in reduced forms of grammar words, also often called function words.

For example:

• She was there /ʃi wəz ðɛə/
• What are you doing? /wɒt ə jə ˈduːɪŋ/ Or even /wɒtʃə ˈduːɪŋ/

With plenty of examples and tips, this video will help you improve your pronunciation and sound more fluent. Ready to practice? Let’s get started!

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