Täishääli

Täishääli is an Estonian term that translates to "full vowel" or "complete vowel." It refers to a vowel sound that is pronounced with its full duration and without any significant shortening or reduction. In Estonian phonology, täishääli are contrasted with shortened vowels or diphthongs, where the vowel sound might be briefer or involve a glide to another vowel.

The concept of täishääli is important in Estonian for distinguishing between words that might otherwise sound similar. For example, the length of a vowel can change the meaning of a word. This distinction between long and short vowels is a key feature of the Estonian language and contributes to its unique sound. Understanding täishääli is crucial for both native speakers and learners of Estonian to accurately pronounce and comprehend the language. The precise realization of täishääli can vary slightly depending on regional dialects, but the fundamental principle of a complete, unreduced vowel sound remains consistent. This phonemic distinction highlights the importance of vowel length in Estonian, similar to how tone distinguishes meaning in some other languages.