What about the "t" in "often"? Why do you think so many of the words in the English language are written so differently from how they are pronounced? Why is that?
2006-08-10 06:04:45 · 28 answers · asked by maryeforeman 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Another one is the p in raspberry.
It is just the local dialect. As we grow up we take on the same sounds as our parents and our community. These habits can be changed with practice and determination, but mostly they are a result of accents, lazy pronounciation, and ignorance.
I personally don't pronounce either.
2006-08-10 06:10:38 · answer #1 · answered by QuestionWyrm 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
English is comprised of SO many different languages, so there are a lot of odd spellings and ways to pronounce things...it is a CRAZY language!
As for me, I pronounce the R in February. I do NOT pronounce the T in often.
Common dictionaries say it is OK to pronounce both either way.
2006-08-10 07:00:19 · answer #2 · answered by Appaloosa88 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first "r" in February, yes. The "t" in often, no.
The American Heritage Dictionary gives acceptable pronunciations for both word both ways.
I think the reason that many English words are spelled oddly is because English is built from so many different languages and spelling traditions have been handed down even as pronunciations have changed.
2006-08-10 06:10:39 · answer #3 · answered by mockingbird 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because Americanized English is impossible to explain. And no, you don't pronounce the first "r" in February, but you have a choice when it comes to the "t" in often.
2006-08-10 09:28:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's because the spoken language alters at a faster rate than the written language.
Have you ever played "Chinese whispers"? After only a few repetitions the word or phrase can become radically altered.
Additionally, the spelling of words will follow distinct patterns dependent on the root origin of the word.
My personal favourites are the Kent UK villages of "Trottisclife" which is pronounced "Trosley" and "Wrotham" pronounced "Rootam".
2006-08-10 06:18:05 · answer #5 · answered by »»» seagull ««« 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, I don't pronounce the first "r" in "February"...I say it like "Feb-u-wary". How on the world do you say "often" without pronouncing the "t", I mean I say it "off-ten". But, I know what you mean. Doesn't make much sense to have letters in a word and don't use them. I don't know why that is.
2006-08-10 06:13:17 · answer #6 · answered by Coco 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I actually DO pronounce those words as they are written. The only ones I can think of that I don't, are "Wednesday" and "Worcester." (pronounced Wooster, it's a town in Mass.)
Have you ever noticed that the English pronounce Lieutenant as "Luftenent?" Now that's just odd,...but it's a what is known as a colloquialism.
2006-08-10 06:12:23 · answer #7 · answered by DEATH 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't pronounce the first "r" in February but I do pronounce the "t" in often.
2006-08-10 19:19:45 · answer #8 · answered by WHATS UP! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't pronounce the first r in February, but i do the t in often. Different strokes for different folks.
2006-08-10 07:01:52 · answer #9 · answered by jingles_200 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The r is not supposed to be pronounced. I think a lot is down to regional variations or personal discretion. English is just such a dynamic language!
2006-08-10 06:10:28 · answer #10 · answered by MyStErY wHiTe BoY 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋