The question happens with some frequency: How do you say this? or Am I saying this correctly? Many botanical names are difficult to articulate. I have trouble enough with small words sometimes, so when faced with a multi-syllable word with runs of letters that seem very foreign to me, I get nervous. It doesn't help the cause when you are corrected by someone who presumes to know all. Awhile ago I was given a helpful tip and I have been searching for this list and the quote ever since. I love the quote and the list because I find them to be rather irreverent towards those fussy types who take things a bit too seriously sometimes.
"Botanical Latin is essentially a written language, but the scientific names of plants often occur in speech. How they are pronounced really matters little provided they sound pleasant and are understood by all concerned" (William T. Stearn, Botanical Latin)
Jepson Guide: Pronunciation of Scientific Names
1. Divide the word carefully into syllables
2. Pronounce each syllable
3. Listen to others and practice what sounds good to your ear; conviction is important.
4. Attempt to accent all syllables equally, this is likely to show where the accents fall.
5. Develop your own standards for pronouncing the common endings and commit to them.
6. Retain pronunciation of proper names used in scientific names
...and the best of all
7. When someone presumes to correct your pronunciation, a knowing smile is an appropriate response.
I wonder if Ms. Emily Post helped with the wording of the last rule?
"Botanical Latin is essentially a written language, but the scientific names of plants often occur in speech. How they are pronounced really matters little provided they sound pleasant and are understood by all concerned" (William T. Stearn, Botanical Latin)
Jepson Guide: Pronunciation of Scientific Names
1. Divide the word carefully into syllables
2. Pronounce each syllable
3. Listen to others and practice what sounds good to your ear; conviction is important.
4. Attempt to accent all syllables equally, this is likely to show where the accents fall.
5. Develop your own standards for pronouncing the common endings and commit to them.
6. Retain pronunciation of proper names used in scientific names
...and the best of all
7. When someone presumes to correct your pronunciation, a knowing smile is an appropriate response.
I wonder if Ms. Emily Post helped with the wording of the last rule?
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