What is a diphthong?

A diphthong is defined as a combination of two vowel sounds that blend together to form a single, distinctive sound in pronunciation. This occurs in the mouth where the tongue glides from one vowel position to another, allowing for a smooth transition that produces a new vowel sound that is different from both original sounds. For instance, in the English words "coin" or "loud," the vowel sounds combine to form a unique sound that embodies aspects of both vowels but is pronounced as one unit.

The other options do not accurately reflect the definition of a diphthong. A single vowel sound only involves one vowel, while a consonant cluster refers to a group of consonants appearing together without any intervening vowels. A silent letter, on the other hand, has no sound at all in pronunciation, which is not related to diphthongs at all. This understanding of diphthongs is essential for teaching phonics and pronunciation in elementary education, helping students develop their reading and speaking skills effectively.