But nytraveler, where I live in No. California there is no difference in how berry, Harry and hairy are pronounced (sort of bare-ee, Hare-ee, and hare-ee)

Maybe in theory they all sound different, but in conversation all three sound the same . . . . . . .

And I grew up in Michigan, and they sound the same to me -- although I can see how they CAN be different, especially when picturing (audially?) the Queen pronouncing merry... with an 'eh' sound... and marry with more of an 'ah' in it... very slight differences.

However, when I grew up they were all the same, I swear!!! :)

...and Mary with an "eh" sound (as in bay).

For those interested in the plans of Hairy Harry to marry merry Mary, there's quite a good website
http://www.learnenglish.de/Level1/Pr...oneticpage.htm

It is for people learning English as a foreign language but you can hear the different vowel sounds

Sorry -

Mary , marry and merry all sound the same only if you are speaking non-standard english. Naturally it's your right to hang onto your regional accent if you choose to do so. (some of the things I;ve heard you wouldn;t believe - I spoke to one woman from Misisisippi that I literally couldn;t understand at all - I though at first that she had some sort of speech impediment).

But - this is not standard english - and you shouldn;t suggest that all americans speak this way - since accents vary widely. (Standard english is that spoken by the major network new anchors - they would never confuse Mary, marry or merry.)

Well, that may be true now, but Tom Brokaw could't even pronounce his own name.

I'm from Kentucky where our speech is not known for its sophistication, but I am happy to report that I pronounce merry, marry, and Mary differently as NY Traveler has explained. My sister's name is Mary; perhaps that has helped.

don't be silly - one major anchor is from Canada and still hasn't lost the unique vowel sounds and another is from Texas - 'nuf said when 2 of the 3 "major" anchors don't speak "standard" English.

When marketing/ad companies want a universal "American" voice they ask for what's called a "California accent" because it has the least idiosyncrassies and affectations.

If by major anchor you mean Peter Jennings, who grew up a few miles from where I am sitting, WHAT is this alleged accent?

I have read this before on this board and I really am curious. Will anyone supply examples?

(To me, he speaks without inflection or accent -- absolutely neutral pronunciation. He sounds like every trained actor on the sitcoms and in films.)

"To me, [Peter Jennings] speaks without inflection or accent -- absolutely neutral pronunciation."

Well, everyone thinks people who speak the way they do have no inflection or accent. But to <i>my</i> ear, Jennings says &quot;oot&quot; and &quot;aboot.&quot;

YMMVW

Hi tedgale, to me Peter Jennings has a slight accent too, but a very pleasant one. And the Texan anchor, he does for sure. I always watch Peter Jennings I guess because his voice is very pleasant to hear.

<i>&quot;Mary , marry and merry all sound the same only if you are speaking non-standard english. Naturally it's your right to hang onto your regional accent if you choose to do so.... But - this is not standard english - and you shouldn't suggest that all americans speak this way - since accents vary widely. (Standard english is that spoken by the major network new anchors - they would never confuse Mary, marry or merry.)&quot;</i>

Trying to imagine Tom Brokaw saying them and still can't imagine the difference. But surely you're not suggesting that the New York and Eastern accent is standard American English. There is definitely a strong accent in play there. I can see where Mary, merry and marry would be pronounced differently there. But where I come from they all rhyme: Mary, merry, marry, Larry, berry, dairy, ferry, Terry, cherry, carry, hairy, Harry, Jerry, Perry, very, vary...

There was recently a documentary on PBS called &quot;Do You Speak American.&quot; It was very interesting - and we all have regional accents, whether we like to admit it or not. :) <b>http://www.pbs.org/speak/</b>

I really think that this thread has really gotten way off topic from the original question. Obviously, when you go to a different country, words are going to be pronounced differently.