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by Leslie on December 7th, 2007

Leslie

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What is the correct pronunciation of the "Wh" question words? Is the "H" silent or pronounced? Is it different in different countries or is there a 'correct' standard way to say them? by Jim C

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  • by Jeztyr - whispering in the ears of kings on January 8th, 2008

    Jeztyr - whispering in the ears of kings

    It would depend on your upbringing. Words like "Whale" for example would be pronounced similar to "Hwale". Notice that the H and the W slightly trade places and sort of roll into each other to form a continuous sound. Similarly, "White" becomes "Hwite". Start by breathing out the "H" sound and slide into the "W" sound. If this is performed at a normal speed of speech, some find it imperceptible, although it does betray certain aspects of one's native homeland; Scotland, Southern America, Australia and some parts of England continue to this day to pronounce the H.

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  • by Leslie on December 11th, 2007

    Leslie

    Whhhat a whheird question!

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  • by Leslie on December 11th, 2007

    Leslie

    Always a silent H ! Who would actually pronounce the H...that's very awkward speech! E.B.J.

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  • by Leslie on December 11th, 2007

    Leslie

    Very few people pronounce the H, in these question words. It is based on location & accent only. Mostly upper class people in the UK would pronounce like this. Dr Julius Edgar - University of New England , Language Faculty

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