Susan7

I'm another Sydneysider who says Woola-m'loo.

One of my American colleagues has most trouble with a very short word: emu. She says it phoenetically, Ee-moo and whereas we put a "y" in there" Ee-myoo

Kiwi_acct

All I can say is thank goodness you have not got onto the phonetic spelling of my hometown, Whakatane. LOL

Melnq8

Kiwi_acct -

Ha! I can't help but giggle everytime I hear Whakatane pronounced on NZ TV. Colorful, that one...

Sarvowinner

We took my daughter to Whakatane when she was 10 - she was dying to get to school to do the "What did I do on my holiday" speech. I think the teacher was speechless.

Susan7

This sounds very intriguing, tell all, how do you pronounce it?

Melnq8

Susan -

This should shed some light:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Talk:Maori_phrasebook

Melnq8

Now how about all those "ups" in WA?

I learned on a trip to WA that "up" means place of, but how are these pronounced?

Cowaramup
Wilyabrup
Carbunup
Kudardup
Boodjidup
Gunyulgup

Sarvowinner

"Wha" is pronounced "fu"

Susan7

Ahhh, thanks for enlightening me Sarvo and Melnq8.

Jinki

Please help! What is the correct pronunciation of Moruya. I have been told to pronounce it "Morea" it this correct.
Many thanks
Jinki

farrermog

For me it's Mor-roo-ya, said quickly, and so sounding almost like Ma-roo-ya.

RalphR

My favorite Aussie place name is Boonoo Boonoo, strangely pronounced "BUNNA baNOO". Followed closely by Woodenbong. Pronounced as spelled. I want one of those!