Monophthongs and diphthongs DRESS and TRAP (BACK)

Similarly, there is no phonemic distinction between the DRESS and TRAP vowels. However, the DRESS vowel is a slightly lowered and short [e], whilst the TRAP vowel tends to be a slightly raised and short [ε], e.g. that > [ðεt], Lami > [lεmi], Nadi > [nεndi], land > [lεn]. Nevertheless, it is difficult to phonetically distinguish between the DRESS and TRAP vowels in many speakers.

The realization of TRAP as [ε] gives rise to the following common spelling pronunciations:

(3) a. Eight people [...] peddled to safety when a boat they were in ran aground [...] (Fiji Times, 26/2/1987)

b. We have no injury worries and the players have slowly recovered from jet-leg. (Daily Post, 29/3/1996)

c. Residents affected by water cuts in a densely-populated area tempered with water mains. (Fiji Times, 20/1/2003)

d. Top scorer for the Veimataqali Imperial was Elex Konrote. (Fiji Times, 20/1/2003)

The lack of phonemic distinction between these two vowels is further highlighted by the following example:

(4) Vidiri steps on the paddle and just keeps going, no slowing down. (Daily Post, 10/6/1998)