The Consonantal Divide, 3

       We are playing at the fringes where vowels and consonants aren't distinct from one another but converge.

       Think, for example, of the consonant letter "y."  Along with "w," "y" is often referred to as a semi-vowel.  Why?  When we make the sound for "y" at the beginning of words [y], it is composed of two vowel sounds merged, "ih" as in "bit" and "uh" as in "but."

       It helps to try these aloud:  say "ih," then "uh"; then say them close to one another, "ih-uh"; then let them flow into each other without pause.  Do you hear it?  Another diphthong like [w].  

       There you have it.  The so-called consonant "y" is made up of two vowel sounds!