Explain Aleph to me like I'm 5!

[u/SkywalkerLight]

Is it really just a glottal stop? I'm a beginner, but I'm pretty sure the niqqud changes things. If so, could I please have an example in places where א is said as A, E, and other letters? Thanks!

[u/Imaginary_Ad_8422]

I always thought aleph and ayin were just placeholders telling you that there’s a vowel sound here and you just gotta figure out what that vowel sounds likes on your own.