If a colleague repeatedly mispronounces a word, what's the best way to handle it? Should you correct him? Ignore it? Is it possible to discuss the proper way to say something without being rude or condescending?
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If a colleague repeatedly mispronounces a word, what's the best way to handle it? Should you correct him? Ignore it? Is it possible to discuss the proper way to say something without being rude or condescending?
I'm still wondering why the plural ending "-i" of words such as "illuminati", "literati", which are borrowed likewise directly from latin 2nd declension nouns, are more common to be pronounced as "EE" than "Y". Though /STI-myoo-lee/ may be in fact uncommon, I personally think there is nothing wrong with it...which simply depends on whether its pronunciation is treated as a totally naturalized English word or simply a loan...
Post edited 6:02AM – Aug-12-09 by Glenn
This problem can occur whenever a word coming from another language is assimilated without a spelling change.
The pronunciation of stimuli as /stim-yu-lee/ is what we were taught in Latin language class. In English I pronounce it as you all do. Still, I sympathize with those who are drawn astray. Even when pronouncing Latin as Latin, there is often a disagreement between those who adhere to academic Latin and those who espouse church Latin.
I once had a pastor who, in one sermon, kept referring to Zeus as /ZAY-us/. I was confused, and marvelled at the possibility he was referring to Planet of the Apes. It was only on the third or fourth reference that I even realized it was Zeus.
When given the rare opportunity, I would always council a public speaker to err on the side of effective communication. In public speaking, if you need to use an uncommon pronunciation, you should introduce it. I had a great Philosophy prof who introduced Kant by saying “Some say /kahnt/ and some say /kant/. Most academics prefer /kahnt/. I can't say /kahnt/.â€
I'm still wondering why the plural ending “-i†of words such as “illuminatiâ€, “literatiâ€, which are borrowed likewise directly from latin 2nd declension nouns, are more common to be pronounced as “EE†than “Yâ€.
Most words ending in -i in English are pronounced with a final /ee/ sound, regardless of origin. This includes a large number of Latin plurals. The only exceptions are a considerable number of Latin plurals — perhaps the more common ones — and a few strays. Still no insight on why, though. I suspect in some cases it has to do with when the word was assimilated with respect to the Great Vowel Shift in English (roughly 1450-1740), or by analogy to older words.
For example, the “null†case: I
For additional example:
Stimuli, alumni, cacti, fungi, radii (NB /ee/ then /eye/), foci, gemini, gladioli, hippopotami (NB. from Greek), nuclei, etc.
And, of course:
Jedi