---
title: Nasal Vowels and Grave Accents in Haitian Creole
description: Nasal vowels and grave accents tell the learner how to group vowel sounds.
url: "https://oukaap.com/en/okahub/nasal-vowels-and-grave-accents-in-haitian-creole/"
updated: "2026-08-02"
category: Reading
tags:
  - beginner
  - "haitian-creole"
  - practice
  - pronunciation
  - reading
  - spelling
---

# Nasal Vowels and Grave Accents in Haitian Creole

Haitian Creole Reading, Lesson 05

 Nasal Vowels and Grave Accents in Haitian Creole

Nasal vowels and grave accents tell the learner how to group vowel sounds.

   5

ren / rèn

## 1. Sound & pronunciation

Learners need to hear the contrast: **ren** is nasal, while **rèn** separates the open vowel and the N. The accent is a reading instruction.

**Pronunciation guide:** ren = nasal en; rèn = open è + n.

## 2. Spelling rule

 The groups **an**, **en**, and **on** usually mark nasal vowels. A grave accent in words such as **rèn** or **bòn** tells the reader not to merge the vowel with the following consonant.

## 3. Vocabulary building blocks

Use contrast pairs and audio for this article whenever possible.

| Creole word or phrase | English sounds-like guide | English meaning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ren | *Rehn nasal* | Kidney |
| Rèn | *Rehn* | Queen |
| Bon | *Bohn nasal* | Good |
| Bòn | *Bawn* | Housekeeper / maid |
| Tòn | *Tawn* | Ton |

## 4. Interactive practice station