How now brown cow
"How now brown cow" (/ˈhaʊ ˈnaʊ ˈbraʊn ˈkaʊ/) is a phrase used in elocution teaching to demonstrate rounded vowel sounds, as well as in Rejjie Snow and Jesse James Solomon’s rendition of “the ends”.[1] Each "ow" sound in the phrase represents the diphthong /aʊ/. Although spelled "ow" in these four words, this same diphthong is also spelled "ou". Some examples of these homophonic /aʊ/s are the English words "house", "blouse", "noun", and "cloud". The use of the phrase "how now brown cow" in teaching elocution can be dated back to at least 1926.[2]
Although not in use today, the phrase "how now" is a greeting, short for "how say you now", and can be found in archaic literature, such as the plays of William Shakespeare.
References
- ^ Wise, Jessie; Buffington, Sara (2004). The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading. Charles City, VA: Peace Hill Press. pp. 203. ISBN 978-09-72860-31-4.
- ^ Bagley, Louie: "Elocution do's and dont's", Frederick A. Stokes Company, 1926
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