1. Introduction to Spanish: A Pronunciation Guide An interactive presentation By Colleen Duffy Click here to send me an email

12. Strong and Weak Vowels Quit -In Spanish there are two types of vowels: “strong” vowels and “weak” vowels. -A, E, and O are strong vowels. -I and U are weak vowels. -If two strong vowels are next to each other in a word, they will form two distinct syllables. ex: pareo (pah-REH-oh) – 3 syllables -If a strong vowel and a weak vowel are next to each other in a word, they will form one syllable combining the two sounds (a “diphthong”). ex: patio (PAH-tyo) – 2 syllables -If two weak vowels are next to each other in a word, they will form one syllable combining the two sounds.