Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Vowel Prolongation

How many syllables are there in the word "east"?

If you thought there was just one, you'd be as intrigued as I was this weekend when I heard a weather reporter from northern Michigan pronounce the word as if it had at least three syllables.

Try it yourself: as odd as it sounds, it's actually no mean feat!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Well, I managed to produce at least four syllables, when I called up the stairs: Ja-ha-ha-han, dinner!

Try Re-e-e-e-ene for size, also!
Love Rene/Mum