Re: OT: vowel in 'kerb', 'bird'

From: "Tristan Alexander McLeay" <zsau@...>
> This question is directed primarily to non-rhotic English-speakers.
>
> Is it just Melbourne, or just Australia, or is the vowel in
> 'kerb'/'bird' ect. really [3\:], and not [3:] as is generally shown, and
> if it is, then why isn't [3\:] (i.e, closed open e/closed reversed
> epsilon) used instead?
Dude, I was just thinking that a couple days ago.  My English is rhotic, but
for me anyway the vowel in 'curb'/'bird' is rounded also.  [3\`], I guess.
I think actually all my r's are rounded, even initial ones...


    *Muke!