1.  Alpha is the first letter in the Greek alphabet.

2.  Alpha is a variable vowel. Its phoneme may be pronounced either long or short, depending on phonetic principles learned later.

3.  Alpha is a voiced vowel as all vowels. The vocal cords vibrate when pronouncing the vowel. This is true for both the short and long phonemes. You can test this by putting your fingers on your vocal cords and practice saying the long and short phonemes.

4.  Alpha is never pronounced like the English long "a" as in "age."

5.  Alpha's upper case letter is written with two strokes. Its lower case letter is written with one stroke without lifting the pen from the paper.

6.  Alpha is transliterated into English as "A" or "a."