A diphthong is a complex vowel sound that begins with one vowel and glides into another within the same syllable. For example, in the word coin, the sound starts with the vowel sound /ɔɪ/ and smoothly transitions to /ɪ/. Diphthongs are important in many languages, including English, as they can change the meaning of words and affect pronunciation.
In English, common diphthongs include sounds like /aɪ/ in time and /eɪ/ in day. Understanding diphthongs helps with proper pronunciation and listening skills, making it easier to communicate effectively. They add richness to spoken language, allowing for a variety of sounds and expressions.