This is one of the pages of the sci.lang.japan Frequently Asked Questions.
Top: Introduction and Contents
>> 8. Pronunciation
8.4. What parts of Japanese are difficult for English speakers to pronounce?
- The tsu in tsunami (tidal wave), especially at
the beginning of a word.
- Rōmaji r is not English `r'. See 8.3. What is rōmaji `r' really? .
- Words like hyakutake, the name of a comet, are difficult
because there are no English words that have a consonant followed by a
`y' sound and a vowel in the same syllable, unless the vowel is `u'.
So hyakutake may come out like hiyakutake.
- Japanese pitch accent.
- Japanese short and long vowels.
- Distinguishing between the `n' in kon'yaku (engagement
to be married) and in kon'nyaku (a jelly-like foodstuff).
TO DO #47:
priority: medium: Add some information about how to pronounce the Japanese sounds which are difficult for English speakers.
Copyright (c) 1994-2006 Ben Bullock
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