Why is Y sometimes a vowel?

The Week ^ | 1/18/15 | Arika Okrent

[DallasBiff]

A, E, I, O, U, and sometimes Y. You might have learned it as a chant, a song, or a simple declaration, but this is how you learned the vowels of English. You may have wondered, why is Y so unsure of itself? Can't we just decide what it is? Why is Y a "sometimes" vowel?

Because writing is not the same thing as speech. While we casually refer to letters, which are written symbols, as vowels or consonants, the concepts of vowel and consonant properly belong to the domain of speech. In general terms, a consonant is a speech sound formed by some kind of constriction or impeding of air flow through the vocal tract, and a vowel lets the air flow freely through. The letter Y can stand for either of these types of sounds. In "yes," Y is representing a consonant, and in "gym" it is representing a vowel.

[outofsalt]

"What is the second vowel in “rhythm”?"

I will only say that the “rhythm” method isn't fool proof.

[Myrddin]

Always wanted to visit Wales. On my bucket list for sure.

My great grandparents emigrated to the US from Wales. I was able to find the family home near Ysbty Ystwyth. I've stayed at Bryn y Don (B&B) in Aberystwyth. It is driving distance to Ysbty Ystwyth and walking distance to the National Library of Wales.

On my last trip to Wales, we passed through Cardiff and Carmarthen. The Welsh name for Carmarthen in Caerfyrddin...otherwise known as Merlin's Castle. The Welsh name for Merlin is...Myrddin.

[P.O.E.]

Thanks for the comment - now besides visiting I’d love to learn the language :)

[P.O.E.]

In my youth was into collecting books of folk tales from around the world. Recall reading a three-book series which was a retelling of (by Evangaline Walton) of the Mabinogion. Found it engaging, and well written.

Still have it upstairs in the archives somewhere.

[Fledermaus]

NOOOOOOOOOOOO

[Myrddin]

I have finished one pass through the Duolingo Welsh course. My wife is about 75% through. Another useful app is Say Somthing in Welsh. For a brief sample of the language in song with English/Welsh lyrics: Tan yn Llyn. Music performed by Plethyn.

[P.O.E.]

That was beautiful - thanks!

[PLMerite]

[Why is Y sometimes a vowel?]

It’s Speech-Part fluid. Y not?

[Pilsner]

I blame the Welsh. Y and W are vowels in their language.

[Myrddin]

Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch

Click the link to hear the place name pronounced