Tag: english phonetics

The cot–caught merger is one of the most significant sound changes in North American English, where the vowels in words like cot and caught are pronounced the same by many speakers. This article explores its history, causes, and geographic distribution, explaining why the merger happened, where it’s widespread, and why some regions resist it. It also discusses its impact on teaching, dictionaries, and technology, helping learners understand both merged and non-merged systems for better comprehension and communication.

American and British English may share the same roots, but their pronunciations differ in many ways. From vowel sounds and rhotic “r” pronunciation to stress patterns, intonation, and even how everyday words are said, this guide explains the key differences clearly with examples. Perfect for learners who want to sound more natural and understand both accents better.