Consonants

I:vi  VOWEL CARRIERS

ਓ ਅ ੲ

These next three sounds are the first letters of the alphabet.  They do not possess any sound of their own and only make a sound when combined with a vowel; hence, they are called “Vowel Carriers”.  [*Note:  A is an exception to this, because when it occurs alone it gives the “u” sound as in up]

ਓ=   This makes “o” sounds, as in go, fool, and a “u” sound as in put, when combined with certain vowels.  [These will be explained in detail later]

ਅ = This makes the “u” sound as in up, when it is presented without a vowel.  It also makes “a” sounds as in are, “ae” sound as in am, the “au” sound as in kaur, when combined with certain vowels.  [These will be explained in detail later].

ੲ =   This makes an “e” sound as in eat, “i” sound as in it, and “a” sound as in ate, when combined with certain vowels.  [These will be explained in detail later]