Answers
Feb 26, 2013 - 04:42 PM
Good catch! I hadn't noticed that so I just went through the flashcards for that session. Sure enough, I hear it...sounds like "ay" more than "aye". But I have not noticed that anywhere else in the program. I do notice slight variations in pronunciation with other words, it seems to depend on what word follows it, or how slowly/clearly the person is articulating. I imagine we all make slight adjustments in our pronunciation in English, without really realizing it.
Feb 27, 2013 - 02:13 PM
Thanks. I agree that we have very different pronunciations within English, but this is the first time I have noticed a difference in Italian that could affect meaning. How would this person say "parlerai" v. "parlerei" for example? If she were to pronounce the former like she did "hai" it will sound like the latter. That could be confusing to a non-native listener. I would love someone from Fluenz to address this pronunciation issue. I want to speak and understand Italian well, and I would like to know if this different pronunciation was allowed on Italian 4 for a specific reason.
Apr 17, 2013 - 01:14 PM
Is anyone else curious about this? Does anyone from Fluenz have an explanation? I really want to know.
Apr 18, 2013 - 11:03 AM
"Hai" should sound like "eye", but sometimes pronunciation of vowels can vary depending on the region the speaker comes from or depending on speed of speech. In this particular case I think the difference is quite subtle, and context can help you understand what is being said. Also, you will generally be understood even if your pronunciation of vowels is not 100% correct. Hope this helps!
Apolonia from Fluenz
Apolonia from Fluenz
Apr 23, 2013 - 02:49 PM
To be honest, I'm not too worried about being generally understood. I think I've got that covered, thanks to Fluenz. I want to speak Italian as beautifully as I can. The pronunciation difference I referred to -- which I really did not think was subtle -- is in the core of the program. The way people pronounce words in the core program should be -- I think -- carefully monitored. I think the pronunciation in the core program needs to be consistent. If regional differences are going to be allowed (and maybe that could have some advantages) I believe it should be intentional and perhaps infrequent. If the program makes it clear the purpose of including the pronunciation differences and their nature, the learner will be prepared and won't think it is a mistake or an oversight.
I'm sure pronunciation differences won't bother me as much when I am much more advanced in the language, but right now I hang on almost every syllable to comprehend what is being said -- not generally, but precisely.
Hope that helps you understand why I brought this issue up. I wasn't as much confused as I was bothered by what seemed an inconsistency.
I'm sure pronunciation differences won't bother me as much when I am much more advanced in the language, but right now I hang on almost every syllable to comprehend what is being said -- not generally, but precisely.
Hope that helps you understand why I brought this issue up. I wasn't as much confused as I was bothered by what seemed an inconsistency.