Which sound is represented by the symbol 'ɚ'?

The symbol 'ɚ' represents the unstressed "er" sound, commonly found in American English. This sound is characterized as a rhotic vowel where the "r" is pronounced in a way that is influenced by the preceding vowel sound. In many American dialects, it appears in words such as "butter" and "sister" in syllables that do not carry stress. Its unstressed nature distinguishes it from the stressed versions of similar sounds, making it a fundamental element in understanding phonetic representations in American English.

In this context, the other options don't accurately describe 'ɚ.' The long "e" sound is denoted by a different symbol, while the schwa sound, represented by 'ə', refers to another vowel sound that is central and neutral, usually occurring in unstressed syllables but not necessarily in the rhotic context of 'ɚ.' The short "i" sound, as in "bit," is also represented by a distinct phonetic symbol that does not resemble the 'ɚ'. Hence, the recognition of 'ɚ' as an unstressed "er" sound is crucial for accurate phonetic transcription and pronunciation in American English.