Jan 2010
January / February Contest
January 09, 2010
Rosalyn Sega from Coconut Creek, FL, is the October
winner – Congratulations!
Pronouncing numbers may be challenging for non-native English speakers.
Here is a tip. When saying a 10-digit phone number, such as 503-713-3468, we usually say the area code as separate digits: "five, zero (or O), three" (although there are some exceptions such as "310" which may be pronounced "three ten"). Then we pause briefly, and say the first three digits individually: "seven, one, three." That is also followed by a brief pause. The last 4 digits may be said separately: "three, four, six, eight" or in pairs "thirty-four, sixty-eight" but don't mix these up, such as "three, four, sixty-eight." Note: Many native speakers do not pause adequately and it is often difficult for the listener to understand the number.
Now here’s the contest:
What is the pronunciation (syllable stress) difference between the numbers “15” and “50”?
a. fif TEEN', FIF' tee
b. fif TEEN', fif TEE'
c. FIF' teen; FIF' tee
d. FIF' teen, fif TEE'
Pronouncing numbers may be challenging for non-native English speakers.
Here is a tip. When saying a 10-digit phone number, such as 503-713-3468, we usually say the area code as separate digits: "five, zero (or O), three" (although there are some exceptions such as "310" which may be pronounced "three ten"). Then we pause briefly, and say the first three digits individually: "seven, one, three." That is also followed by a brief pause. The last 4 digits may be said separately: "three, four, six, eight" or in pairs "thirty-four, sixty-eight" but don't mix these up, such as "three, four, sixty-eight." Note: Many native speakers do not pause adequately and it is often difficult for the listener to understand the number.
Now here’s the contest:
What is the pronunciation (syllable stress) difference between the numbers “15” and “50”?
a. fif TEEN', FIF' tee
b. fif TEEN', fif TEE'
c. FIF' teen; FIF' tee
d. FIF' teen, fif TEE'