10. The ER Sound: PURPLE SHIRT ɝ, ɚ
PURPLE SHIRT is a non-moving vowel sound.
- The back of the tongue raises toward the roof of the mouth, like you’re going to make a /k/ or /g/ sound
- The sides of the tongue touch the inside of the back, top teeth (molars)
- The tip of the tongue can be behind the lower teeth, or in the middle of the mouth. As long as the tip of the tongue does not touch the roof of the mouth you are good. 🙂
The vowel yoga exercise demonstrated in the video above is an excellent way to “find you PURPLE sound.”
- er: teacher, concern, verb
- ur: turn, urgent, occur
- ir: first, thirst, girl
- or: work, doctor, color
- ear: learn, earth
- ar: argue, grammar, dollar
PURPLE SHIRT Training
The following exercises combine listening, shadowing, and gradually increasing complexity to help you internalize new sounds and rhythm patterns in your spoken English.
Level 1 is available to all visitors. CEA members unlock the complete training.
Goal: Hear and produce each vowel sound clearly in single words.
- Listen to the minimal pair words. Can you hear the contrast?
- Say the words with me, keeping each sound clear and distinct.
- Record yourself saying the pairs. Then listen back—do your PURPLE SHIRT and a CUP of MUSTARD vowels sound different?
Mini Challenge: “Flood” the words in each column (say all of one column in a row). Can you keep the vowel sound consistent from top to bottom?
PURPLE SHIRT & a CUP of MUSTARD Minimal Pairs
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a CUP of MUSTARD
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PURPLE SHIRT
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bud
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bird
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study
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sturdy
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ton
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turn
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hut
-
hurt
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fussed
-
first
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