Vowels START, NORTH, FORCE

Many Philadelphians use a rather high and back vowel in START, something near . The NORTH and FORCE classes are merged and typically appear with a mid to high back vowel. As noted in the discussion of New York, these tendencies toward backing and raising of START and NORTH/FORCE may constitute a chain shift. The evidence suggests the movement of START began this shift, and this vowel is relatively stable today, while generational differences are heard in the shifting of NORTH/FORCE.