Prounciation of Proper Nouns

Question

Someone once told me that proper nouns do not have correct or incorrect pronunciations, i.e. that there is no one correct way they should be pronounced. Has anyone else heard this and is it true?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Only in the sense that many have more than one pronunciation; they often vary regionally.

Cool Breeze · Answer

AnonymousSomeone once told me that proper nouns do not have correct or incorrect pronunciations, i.e. that there is no one correct way they should be pronounced. Has anyone else heard this and is it true?

It also depends on what is considered "correct". As English is a world language and most native speakers of English have never studied foreign languages, they tend to pronounce foreign people's names as if these names were English. I have been asked how I would pronounce my surname in English. In many countries it is considered impolite not to attempt to pronounce a person's name the way it is pronounced in his language.

There is no "right" answer to your question. Many non-Anglo-Saxon international celebrities don't mind at all if Engllish-speaking people mispronounce their names. They have become accustomed to it and accept it. I think I have heard the German formula one driver Mihael Schumacher himself pronounce his first name [maikl]! I have never heard an English-speaking person pronounce both his given name and surname correctly.

CB

Mister Micawber · Answer

I think I have heard the German formula one driver Mihael Schumacher himself pronounce his first name [maikl]! I have never heard an English-speaking person pronounce both his given name and surname correctly.

It's just too dangerous-- we can't do it without rehydration therapy.

Cool Breeze · Answer

Mister MicawberIt's just too dangerous-- we can't do it without rehydration therapy.

I knew there was agoodreason for it! You saved my day again, MrM!

CB

Prounciation of Proper Nouns

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions