Thursday, November 23, 2006

Formal Talking Practice: English Names - French Pronunciation

Tonight we are talking about names. How English names sound when pronounced by a French person. We have chosen the name Elizabeth (for obvious reasons.)

'Elizabeth' takes on an altogether more romantic feel when said with a french accent, especially if it is a man speaking. This comes about because all the syllables are stressed and the word appears to get longer: E-liz-a-bet. Note the 'th' disappears as the French don't have a 'th' sound in their language, so the word ends with a 'te' sound.

'Liz', on the other hand seems to lose something in transition and sounds like Lz. This isn't nice at all: a bit like a fly caught in something. Claude says it doesn't sound good because the word is trop court (too short).

Another French take on Elizabeth is to say 'Lisbeth'. This is spelt with an 's' and an 'h' but pronounced Lizbet ending with a 'te' sound, again.

I think this latter version has a particularly friendly feel to it and, as you will have noticed, I have chosen to use 'Lisbeth' (French spelling, pronounced Lizbet) when talking with, and writing about, my talking practice partner.

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