Q has the sound of k, and is always followed by u, which, in this position, commonly has the sound of w, but is sometimes silent.
WH is an aspirated w, pronounced as if written hw.
[1] Sometimes called Subvocals, or Subtonics.
[2] H sounded before a vowel, is an expulsion of the breath after the organs are in a position to sound the vowel.
EXERCISES ON THE VOWEL SOUNDS.
In pronouncing the words in the following exercises, special attention should be given to the precise sound of the letters italicized. The sounds of the letters in Italics are the same as the sound of the vowel at the head of the paragraph.
Exercises upon tables of words like the following are valuable, not only for developing vocal power, but as one of the best methods of correcting habitual errors in pronunciation.
a, long, as in fāte.—Fame, blame, sail, cambric, nature, ancient, patron, matron.
a, short, as in făt.—Bat, mat, bad, had, can, cannon, sand, fancy, marry, have.