Pronunciation of place names

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Apr 23rd, 2008 | 05:07 PM

#41

Susan7

Joined: Feb 2007

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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

Apr 23rd, 2008 | 07:56 PM

#42

Kiwi_acct

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 609

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

Apr 23rd, 2008 | 08:01 PM

#43

Melnq8

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 21,174

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Kiwi_acct -

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

Apr 23rd, 2008 | 08:38 PM

#44

Sarvowinner

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 1,479

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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.

Apr 24th, 2008 | 01:49 AM

#45

Susan7

Joined: Feb 2007

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

Apr 24th, 2008 | 02:57 AM

#46

Melnq8

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 21,174

Likes: 83

Susan -

This should shed some light:

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

Apr 24th, 2008 | 03:07 AM

#47

Melnq8

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 21,174

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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

Apr 24th, 2008 | 03:27 AM

#48

Sarvowinner

Joined: Apr 2005

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"Wha" is pronounced "fu"

Apr 24th, 2008 | 05:01 PM

#49

Susan7

Joined: Feb 2007

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Ahhh, thanks for enlightening me Sarvo and Melnq8.

Nov 20th, 2011 | 01:47 AM

#50

Jinki

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 1

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

Nov 20th, 2011 | 07:17 PM

#51

farrermog

Original Poster

Joined: Jul 2007

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

Nov 22nd, 2011 | 02:37 PM

#52

RalphR

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 1,147

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