Double acute accent facts for kids
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Double acute accent |
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| Ő | ő |
| Ű | ű |
The double acute accent ( ˝ ) is a special mark that sits above a letter. These marks are called diacritics, and they change how a letter sounds. The double acute accent looks like two tiny slanted lines placed side-by-side.
This accent is mostly used with vowels to make their sound longer. You will only find it in the Latin alphabet, which is the alphabet used for English and many other languages.
Contents
What is the Double Acute Accent?
The double acute accent is a small but important mark. It helps speakers know exactly how to pronounce certain words. Think of it as a special instruction for your voice!
It is different from a single Acute accent, which looks like just one slanted line (´). The double acute accent always has two lines.
Where is it Used?
The double acute accent is most famous for its use in the Hungarian language. In fact, it's so common there that it's sometimes called the hungarumlaut. This fun nickname combines "Hungarian" with "umlaut," which is another type of diacritic.
In Hungarian, the double acute accent is used on the letters "o" and "u" to create "ő" and "ű". These letters represent long vowel sounds that are also rounded, similar to the "ö" and "ü" sounds but held for a longer time. For example, "ő" sounds like the "ur" in "fur" but longer.
It helps to tell words apart that might otherwise look the same but have different meanings. For example, a word with "o" might mean one thing, while the same word with "ő" means something completely different.
While it's mainly used in Hungarian, you might occasionally see it in other languages, like Faroese, though this is much less common.
Why are Diacritics Important?
Diacritics like the double acute accent are very important for language. They help people pronounce words correctly and understand their meaning. Without them, many words in languages like Hungarian would be confusing.
They show how a language has developed over time and how different sounds are represented in writing. Learning about diacritics helps us appreciate the richness and complexity of languages around the world.
Images for kids
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Example of an ő on a Faroese traffic sign
See also
In Spanish: Doble acento agudo para niños
