Learn English – How to pronounce the publisher “Springer”

Unlike in some other languages, English spelling tends to reflect the developmental history of the word rather than its pronunciation. Therefore, it takes more learning and practice to pronounce English words. After learning the basic rules, you also need to learn some exceptions, and with enough practice, you may be able to spot some patterns.

Given that English is built on Greek, Latin, Anglo-Saxon / Norse, and French influence, and continues to assimilate words from other languages, it helps to consider which set of pronunciation rules to apply depending on the word's origin. For example, "ch" in words of Greek origin (e.g. psyche) would generally have a /k/ sound. In words taken from French during an earlier period (e.g. chief), "ch" would have a /tʃ/ sound. Later French borrowings (e.g. chef) would have a softer /ʃ/ sound.

Even with lots of experience, any English speaker who claims to be able to read any word correctly is lying. Here is a whole thread on Reddit full of words that people have mispronounced for years. Some examples include:

• hyperbole, epitome, synecdoche
• draught
• lingerie, macabre, melee
• segue
• açai
• awry
• victuals
• quinoa
• chalcedony

I'd also add

• row (in the sense of a fight)
• chassis

No amount of experience would ever help you guess the British pronunciation of "lieutenant".

Part of the difficulty is, believe it or not, deliberately introduced. In words like "scent" and "debt", silent letters were added to make them fit their etymology.

Your only consolation is that English is still easier to read than Chinese.

Have you figured out the pronunciation of the words above? Here are the answers!

/haɪˈpɝːbəli/ /ɪˈpɪt.ə.mi/ /sɪˈnɛkdəki/
/dɹɑːft/
/ˌlɑn.(d)ʒəˈɹeɪ/ /məˈkɑːbɹə/ /mɛˈleɪ/
/ˈsɛɡweɪ/
/ˈa.saj/
/əˈɹaɪ/
/ˈvɪtəlz/
/ˈkinˌwɑ/
/kælˈsɛdəni/
/raʊ/
/ˈtʃæsi/ or /ˈʃæsi/
/lɛfˈtɛnənt/

I think the joke is that Betelgeuse is an unfamiliar name, and therefore sounds made-up and nonsensical. It adds to the absurd humor of the film when a viewer discovers that Beetlejuice is a variation of a real word.

Incidentally, Betelgeuse is due to go supernova soon, at least in the cosmic sense of "soon." It could happen many thousands of years from now, or it could happen tomorrow. (Or to be more precise, the light from its explosion hundreds of years ago could reach us tomorrow.) When we do see it explode, it's predicted to be as bright as the full moon. As a fan of Beetlejuice, it amuses me to look at Betelgeuse and say its name three times, hoping it'll explode just then.