[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> 
> This is from the biological taxonomy (Glaucopysche Xerces), so it is Latin
> or, more properly in this case, Latinized Greek.  But it is pronounced like
> English.  Biologists do not go around speaking in restored classical
> pronunciations.  When is the last time you heard "sapiens" in "homo
> sapiens" pronounced with a broad "a" as in "father"?  Or "tyrannosaurus"
> pronounced outside of Texas with like the "au" like the "aw" in "saw"?  Or
> "biceps" pronounced "beekeps"?  It just doesn't happen.

It doesn't? Oh god, no wonder people think I have a weird accent :)
 
> So, "kserses", with two short e's, accent on first syllable.

Sounds reasonable.
 
> Unfortunately, this will differ depending on the native language of the
> speaker.  Even English pronunciation of Latin varies depending on which
> side of the pond you're on.

I wonder: with all the languages out there with strict pronounciation
rules, why did we end up with such a sloppy language like English for
written communication?

Well, the best technology rarely wins in the open market :)
 
> For details, see:  http://www.saltspring.com/capewest/pron.htm
> 
> -Rob

Pier is right, we should have a WAV or something on the web site.

-- 
Stefano Mazzocchi      One must still have chaos in oneself to be
                          able to give birth to a dancing star.
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>                             Friedrich Nietzsche


Reply via email to