r-colored

Rule Core

er / ir / ur usually merge into one r-controlled vowel: /ɝ/ (AmE) or /ɜː/ (BrE). Different spellings, same sound—the key is the influence of r.

Articulation Guide

Curl the tongue tip slightly back without touching the palate; lips relaxed; steady airflow through the center, producing a compact vowel.

Word Analysis

• labor: stress on the first syllable; -or becomes /ɚ/, pronounced /ˈleɪbɚ/.
• her / bird / turn: the vowel is absorbed by r, creating one r-colored sound.

Pitfalls

Do not pronounce the vowel separately or exaggerate it; avoid spelling-based reading.