Pronunciation of towns/cities in foreign countries

[Caveat]

This has always puzzled me bit.

For instance, Paris is always anglisiced - people never talk about going to Paree, but people tend to make a stab at authentic pronunciations for other French destinations.

Warsaw should be Warszawa (and pronounced Varshava) but never is. People tend to go out of their way to say Ibeetha for Ibiza these days rather than the old Ibeetza.

Why is Rome not Roma? It's easy to say after all. I thought maybe it was just confined to capitals but I don't think so. Other countries do this too of course. It's a bit strange. Why can't all countries refer to destinations in other countries as they should be?

 

[haminka1]

I think it's rather natural for people to use naming conventions for known geographical locations which use form and pronunciation more natural to the particular language ...
while you might believe that you pronounce the name of the city correct /let's say Stuttgart or Duesseldorf/ , in reality it may be incomprehensible to the native speaker because you did not get it right ...
in fact, most native English speakers /and let's admit it, they are not particularly known for their foreign language skills/ will have the problem as above, based on my experience
I'd say, better stick to Warsaw, Paris with s and Rome

 

[Caveat]

in fact, most native English speakers /and let's admit it, they are not particularly known for their foreign language skills

Well maybe, but all countries seem to do it. E.g.the French have Londres, Poles & Spanish have their own versions of 'foreign' towns cities too.

 

[haminka1]

Well maybe, but all countries seem to do it. E.g.the French have Londres, Poles & Spanish have their own versions of 'foreign' towns cities too.

i know, so do we in my mother tongue

 

[Lex Foutish]

Dingle or An Daingean?

 

[Padraigb]

Dingle Uí Chúis.

 

[Rois]

Off topic I know, but living as I do in a county north of our capital city, everybody talks about "going UP to Dublin" or "working UP in Dublin" ...

Whereas if they're going to Lex's capital city for example they'll say "going DOWN to Cork"

Still can't fathom this geographical logic ...

 

[Caveat]

Regardless of geography there is a tendency to say 'up to' the capital.

A lot of countries do this.

 

[TarfHead]

Paris is always anglisiced - people never talk about going to Paree, but people tend to make a stab at authentic pronunciations for other French destinations.

People tend to go out of their way to say Ibeetha for Ibiza these days rather than the old Ibeetza.

+1

I agree. There is an inherent contradiction; make an effort for some names, don't bother for others.

Barcelona FC play their home games at the Nou Camp. I've heard, on radio, it pronounced as the Noo Camp, and the Camp Now, in the same discussion.

And should the 'c' in Barcelona be a soft Barselona, or as the locals pronounce it Barthelona ?

 

[Ash 22]

Heard the joke about the American guy who's car had broken down in Oola. He rang somebody for help and said he was in zero, zero LA ! For those who have'nt heard of Oola its in county Tipperary.