Is Y a Vowel or not?

[classical_hero]

Well I thought we could discuss this issue, since it got raised in the guess the map thread. So if it is used in place of vowel does that mean it is vowel or is it still a consonant? I am sure the more learned people in linguistics will be able to help out.

 

[Lillefix]

Depends on the language I suppose. I consider it a vowel, but in English it can work as both.

 

[classical_hero]

Well we are talking about it in English and not any out language.

 

[NovaKart]

What does wheel of fortune have to say about it?

Why don't we start a couple of other threads along this line - When you're making the bed should the pillows be placed with the pillowcase opening facing outwards or inwards?

Should the toilet paper roll be placed in the overhand or underhand position?

 

[Dreadnought]

It is not a vowel in Wheel of Fortune.

But, I thought it was a vowel if it was at the end of the word...

 

[Boundless]

Only if there aren't any other vowels. But as a general rule, no.

 

[cardgame]

Sometimes. (it took this long?)

 

[kulade]

It is a vowel in words of Greek origin and often a semi-vowel in words borrowed from French and modified.

Otherwise y typically takes the place of an earlier letter g when palatalized.

You can also argue over whether or not w, r and l, are vowels.

 

[civplayah]

It depends on the phonics. If it sounds like a long "e" or if it's used in a blend with another vowel then it's a vowel.

 

[classical_hero]

The way how we pronounce it is important also, since can sound similar to an 'i' when we pronounce it. So that does seem too me that the way we use it, it is more like a vowel. That does seem to be more when it is not at the front, when t is most definitely used as a consonant.

 

[Core Imposter]

Obviously it goes both ways. The only questions is whether Y was born that way or if its just a lifestyle choice.

 

[jtb1127]

It is neither a vowel nor a consonant.

 

[GenMarshall]

If there are no others in the word, then Y is a vowel.

Y could also equal 42 .

 

[Phrossack]

It can be either. 'Y' is a consonant in "yes", but a vowel in, say, "amethyst" or "ugly".

 

[Leoreth]

In linguistics, Y is considered a semi-vowel, along with W, precisely because it can function as both consonant and vowel.

 

[Quackers]

I think Boundless is right. I was taught that "y" was the vowel in words which do not have a typical vowel, for instance "sky".

 

[Singularity]

Damn the vowel movement of the great vowel shift, damn it to hell.

 

[Kennigit]

it's just a little by-consonant.

so it usually is attracted to being a consonant, but has some vowel vibes as well.

 

[Arwon]

It's a semi-vowel like W. English R can also be argued to be a semi-vowel for some pronounciations, and we also pretty much use L as a syllable by itself too (like in "table" - I'd argue there's no schwa in there).

The vowel-consonant dichotomy is good enough for most layperson purposes but it breaks down when you start looking at phonetics in any detail.

 

[Theov]

Yes it's a vowel, but also a consonant.