Which sounds are typically difficult to identify during sound isolation?

Diphthongs are indeed more complex sounds that can be challenging to identify during sound isolation due to their nature. A diphthong consists of two adjacent vowel sounds within the same syllable, and this blending can make it harder for learners to isolate the individual sounds clearly.

Unlike single vowel sounds, which are straightforward to identify, diphthongs involve a glide from one vowel sound to another, creating a transitional quality that can obscure distinct auditory perception. This transitional aspect may lead to difficulties in recognizing them separately, especially for learners who are still developing their phonemic awareness.

In contrast, vowel sounds, consonant blends, and simple phonemes are typically easier to isolate because they tend to maintain clearer individual characteristics. Vowel sounds have a more consistent quality, consonant blends consist of clear, distinguishable sounds, and short, simple phonemes are straightforward single articulations, making them less complex for identification compared to diphthongs.