[@] and [i] before the velar nasal [N]

Dr. Who   Sunday, July 25, 2004, 02:53 GMT
I've heard somewhere that for many Californians the [@] and the [i] sounds change before the velar nasal to more [ei] and [i:].

Is it true that Californians pronounce ''bang'' more like ''bayng'' and ''shrink'' more like ''shreenk'' or was that linguist just wrong?
Justin   Sunday, July 25, 2004, 04:05 GMT
I think "bang" does sound like "bayng", but "shrink" might not be the same as "shreenk".
CalifJim   Sunday, July 25, 2004, 07:22 GMT
I agree with Justin. I hear @ with a high front vowel off-glide.
I think the phenomenon is more generalized than just California, however.