Pronunciation and rhythm
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2012 2:53 pm
I posted again on the thread I started two years ago on Romance languages yesterday. The conversation had evolved to discussing regional pronunciations, which included city names. Louisiana is the champion, I think, in weird names and their sounds. But a new thought cropped up this morning. I'm a native of Monroe, 30 miles to the east, and that town hs a variety of pronunciations. The proper pronunciation (according to me) is equal emphasis on both syllables. However, you hear MAHNroe and MonROE. Then I thought that sometimes I stress the last syllable depending on the rhythm of the sentence, such as "I plan to go to MonROE tomorrow." So I wonder whether others of you have noted similar alterations in pronunciation due to perceived rhythm?
And while I'm at it, a pet peeve: don't EVER pronounce the state Loosiana or LouEEsiana. Just say Louis with a z sound and add iana (or perhaps yana).
And while I'm at it, a pet peeve: don't EVER pronounce the state Loosiana or LouEEsiana. Just say Louis with a z sound and add iana (or perhaps yana).