39. Short Vowel Scale

In addition to the six long vowels, there are six short vowels used in English speech, as heard in the following words: it ell am odd up pull

Between the short and long vowels there exists a close relationship, which results from the fact that the position of the organs of speech in pronouncing the long vowels is nearly the same as that required for the utterance of the short ones, as will be perceived on pronouncing the words, eat ale alms awed ope pool

40. Short Vowel Signs

The short vowels are therefore appropriately represented by dots and dashes, written in the same places as for the long vowels, but made light to indicate their briefer character. Light dots may be written with a mere touch of pen or pencil to the paper. A little pressure which causes a slight separation of the pen points will produce a heavy dot, and with a pencil the same effect is produced by giving it a very slight turn between the thumb and finger. Avoid the vicious method of making dots of any kind by drawing a small circle and "filling in."

41. Vowels Between Consonants

When a vowel is to be written between two consonant strokes, it is possible to write it either after the first, or before the second stroke. If, however, a vowel falls within the apex of the angle it becomes ambiguous, since it is possible to read it as a third-place vowel after the first stroke or as a first-place vowel before the second stroke; thus might be read either tick or tack. To avoid such ambiguity it is only necessary to observe the following rules; a. First-place vowels are written after the first consonant.

b. Second-place vowels are written after the first consonant when they are long, and before the second when they are short. (The length of a second-place vowel is thus determined by the consonant to which it is written, if it should not be by its size.) c. Third-place vowels arc written before the second consonant.

Exercise on Short Vowels.