Which phenomenon involves vowels being pronounced differently from what is typically expected?

The phenomenon in which vowels are pronounced differently from what is typically expected is referred to as oddities. This term captures the irregularities and inconsistencies often found in pronunciation, particularly with vowels in various contexts. For instance, certain words might have vowel sounds that seem unpredictable based on standard phonetic rules, leading to unexpected pronunciations.

Understanding oddities is crucial for educators and students alike, as it highlights the complexities of language and the importance of contextual learning when it comes to pronunciation. Recognizing these oddities can help learners develop more flexible and accurate skills in reading and speaking.

Other concepts such as orthographic units, phonetic shifts, and intonation address different aspects of language. Orthographic units deal with written representations of sounds, phonetic shifts pertain to changes in pronunciation patterns over time or across dialects, and intonation focuses on the rise and fall of the voice in speech rather than vowel pronunciation. Therefore, while these terms are relevant to the study of language, they do not specifically address the unique phenomenon of vowel pronunciation that characterizes oddities.