Schwa: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ค
schwa
[ สwษห ]
phonetics linguistics
The schwa is an unstressed and toneless vowel sound represented by the phonetic symbol /ษ/. It occurs in many languages, including English, and is typically found in unstressed syllables. This vowel sound is often described as a neutral or mid-central vowel, and it plays an essential role in the rhythm and structure of spoken language.
Examples of usage
- The schwa sound occurs in the second syllable of 'sofa'.
- In 'banana', the first and last 'a' are pronounced as schwa.
- English speakers often use schwa in quick speech for ease of pronunciation.
Translations
Translations of the word "schwa" in other languages:
๐ต๐น schwa
๐ฎ๐ณ เคถเฅเคตเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Schwa
๐ฎ๐ฉ schwa
๐บ๐ฆ ัะฒะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ szwa
๐ฏ๐ต ใทใฅใฏ
๐ซ๐ท schwa
๐ช๐ธ schwa
๐น๐ท ลva
๐ฐ๐ท ์์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุดูุง
๐จ๐ฟ schwa
๐ธ๐ฐ schwa
๐จ๐ณ ๆฝ็ฆ
๐ธ๐ฎ schwa
๐ฎ๐ธ schwa
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะฒะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แจแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ ลva
๐ฒ๐ฝ schwa
Etymology
The term 'schwa' originates from the Hebrew word 'ืฉึฐืืึธื' (sheva), which means 'absence' or 'nothingness'. It was adopted into linguistics in the 19th century as scholars sought to describe vowel sounds in various languages. The schwa is significant in phonetics because it exemplifies the idea of a vowel that carries very little emphasis, serving primarily as a phonetic placeholder to aid in the flow of speech. As the study of linguistics developed, the schwa gained more attention and became essential in phonetic transcription systems such as the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Its prevalence in many languages showcases its importance in understanding spoken language patterns and stress.