PRONUNCIATION RESPELLING Meaning and
Definition
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Pronunciation respelling is a linguistic technique used to represent the pronunciation of a word or phrase in a simplified and standardized manner. It involves using a modified spelling system that aims to guide individuals on how to correctly pronounce a word, especially when the standard orthography fails to accurately reflect the sounds of the word.
The purpose of pronunciation respelling is to provide learners or non-native speakers with a clear and consistent guide to pronounce words correctly. This is particularly useful in languages with irregular pronunciation rules or when the spelling and pronunciation do not correlate well, such as in English. By using a respelling system, the pronunciation of words becomes more accessible and understandable to individuals who may struggle with traditional spelling patterns.
A pronunciation respelling typically involves using a combination of letters, symbols, and diacritical marks to represent specific sounds and phonetic elements. It may also utilize stress markings to indicate which syllables are emphasized in pronunciation. These respelling systems are often standardized and widely accepted, providing learners with a reliable reference for accurately pronouncing words.
Overall, pronunciation respelling serves as a valuable tool for language learners, individuals with speech difficulties, and non-native speakers, enabling them to navigate the complexities of pronunciation and improve their communicative abilities.
Etymology of PRONUNCIATION RESPELLING
The term "pronunciation respelling" is a compound phrase made up of two individual words, each with its own etymology:
1. Pronunciation: The word "pronunciation" originated from the Old French word "pronunciacioun", which itself came from the Latin word "pronuntiatio". In Latin, "pronuntiare" meant "to proclaim", with "pro-" denoting "forth" and "nuntiare" meaning "to announce". Over time, the word evolved to its current form and refers to the act or manner of uttering or articulating sounds or words.
2. Respelling: The word "respelling" is a combination of the prefix "re-" (meaning "again" or "back") and the noun "spelling". "Spelling" can be traced back to the Old English word "spellian", which meant "to talk, utter, or tell".
