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and leaves only a very small passage for the air, but the passage must be wide enough to prevent audible friction. The mouth is not quite so open as for é (Fig. VI.).
There is a marked difference between the sound of í in Irish and that of “i” in the word “machine” or the “e” in “deep.” Professor Sweet says that for the production of “i” the front of the tongue is raised as high and as close to the palate as possible, without causing audible friction or buzz, so that the main body of the tongue slopes down from the front of the mouth backwards. For the production of “í” the centre of the tongue is arched as high as possible towards the front of the hard palate, whilst the tip of the tongue rests against the lower teeth: the tongue therefore slopes down both towards the back and the front of the mouth.
(g) I (short). This vowel has the short sound of í. Even in unaccented positions the sound of the i is distinctly heard—e.g., Tuairim, brisim.
Section III.—Nasal Vowels.
This section may be omitted until the first nine chapters have been read.
13. In the formation of nasal vowels voiced breath flows through the nose as well as through the mouth. Nasal vowels are common in Irish, as well as in other European languages (especially French). These sounds are very rich and sonorous; and those who neglect them will never acquire the correct Irish blas.
(a) Practice. Pronounce ó, sustaining the sound for
