In China, "q" is pronounced "ch"; "c" is pronouced "ts" when preceding a vowel; "z" is pronounced "ts." In Korea, the name "Lee" is actually pronounced "Yi" and also spelled "Rhee," "Li," and "Yee." And I don't even know how to pronounce some Vietnamese names! Like Nguyen, for example, and Htohn. It's enough to drive me mad.
Who came up with this spelling system for converting Asian languages to English writing? Why not just spell it the way it sounds? Any insight you can give me is appreciated.
2006-07-27
18:05:07
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4 answers
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asked by
ATWolf
5
in
Languages