Vowels and Diphthongs

In vowel sounds, the dominant feature of Cockney is its use of diphthongs in words which in standard English are pronounced with monothongs where standard English uses diphthongs.


i:

Cockney employs a diphthongs formed by a slight glide vowel.

me see tree speak seize

u: = əu

u: uses the schwa before the vowel

few soon lose due crew jewel

ɑ:   (ah)

Use of the last back vowel as in “ask” is the same as R.P.

laugh can’t draft ask mask

ei = æi

may game train fame take

ai=  ɔɪ̌

time fine sign blimey might

ou = au

go row hope home know

au

au is spread and nasalized.

how crown house about lout