Vocals are sounds which consist of pure tone only. They are the most
prominent elements of all words, and it is proper that they should first
receive attention. A vocal may be represented by one letter, as in the
word hat, or by two or more letters, as in heat, beauty. A diphthong is a
union of two vocals, commencing with one and ending with the other. It is
usually represented by two letters, as in the words oil, boy, out, now.
Each of these can he uttered with great force, so as to give a distinct
expression of its sound, although the voice be suddenly suspended, the
moment the sound is produced. This is done by putting the lips, teeth,
tongue, and palate in their proper position, and then expelling each sound
from the throat in the same manner that the syllable "ah!" is uttered in
endeavoring to deter a child from something it is about to do; thus,
a'--a'--a'--.
Let the pupil he required to utter every one of the elements in the Table
with all possible suddenness and percussive force, until he is able to do
it with ease and accuracy. This must not he considered as accomplished
until he can give each sound with entire clearness, and with all the
suddenness of the crack of a rifle. Care must be taken that the vocal
alone be heard; there must be no consonantal sound, and no vocal sound
other than the one intended.
At first, the elementary sounds may be repeated by the class in concert;
then separately.