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We describe both monophthongs and diphthongs in terms of how high and how far back the highest point of the tongue is. Figure 4.2 illustrates basic positions for several monophthongs, based on x‐ray tracings. On the left are front vowels, produced with the high point of the tongue more forward than for the back vowels, shown on the right. In each diagram, you can also see how the tongue height—closer to or farther from the roof of the mouth—varies. At one extreme is the high vowel /i/ as in bee, while at the other is the low vowel /ɑ/ as in saw (for most speakers).