Reference: Hermes Pronunciation Guide

#258
Jahna said:
Sigh, until I hear a family member pronounce this name, I am caught between the s and the z...

here's a youtube short that explains it by ....somebody....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9UTCQhxG0A
Click to expand...
Here you go:

Pierre-Alexis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPSwANIY1g0

Axel: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18061536

It is a non-sibilant "s" unlike "ss" and also unlike "z". They pronounce it slightly differently so perhaps then we can all agree to disagree, no? ;)

I can't find an interview with Jean-Louis that's not voiced-over by an annoying translator, which is too bad as an interview in French would probably be the best guide.
 
#259
Bond7Girl said:
It's a proper noun, so rules for common nouns do not apply.

If Hermès were a common noun, then 's' would probably have been silent like in "après". On the contrary, in proper nouns, the "ès" combination often means that "s" will be pronounced. E.g., a girl's name Agnès is also pronounced with an "s".

This is the correct pronunciation of Hermès: http://www.larousse.fr/dictionnaires/francais/hermès/39686?q=hermes#39608
Click to expand...

Bond7Girl is correct, the "s" in a proper noun will usually be pronounced when preceded by a vowel with an accent grave.
Just fyi, this Larousse entry is a guide to pronouncing the name (in French) of the Greek god...from which the family name is derived...but has nothing to do with the house of Hermès.
 
#260
QuelleFromage said:
Here you go:

Pierre-Alexis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPSwANIY1g0

Axel: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18061536

It is a non-sibilant "s" unlike "ss" and also unlike "z". They pronounce it slightly differently so perhaps then we can all agree to disagree, no? ;)

I can't find an interview with Jean-Louis that's not voiced-over by an annoying translator, which is too bad as an interview in French would probably be the best guide.
Click to expand...
Thanks QuelleFromage (and Bond7Girl).

I am asked this question so often by people, and while close, now I have a definitive. Most annoying are those who correct my (almost right) pronounciation with the proper French as noted by your link, Bond7Girl. Hard to refute because in my very limited French (my French godson will let me use it for a while and then asks if we can talk in English, :lol:) it would be like apres...

Thanks for the help!
 
#261
I'm not sure, but I have the feeling that they are saying it not the same way as we do in French (specially the R). I noticed myself that when I speak English, I change the way I pronouce names, including my own. (the mouth is not shape the same way in English, and saying French name seems weird).
If you want someone speaking French, saying Hermès, not dubbed, go with the first petit h video on youtube.
 
#263
Not sure if this has been asked before but I just wanted to clear it up since the SA in my part of town pronounces "Retourne" and "Chevre" differently. Can anyone help? Thanks so much in advance and sorry if this has been discussed. :smile:
 
#264
jalapeno said:
Not sure if this has been asked before but I just wanted to clear it up since the SA in my part of town pronounces "Retourne" and "Chevre" differently. Can anyone help? Thanks so much in advance and sorry if this has been discussed. :smile:
Click to expand...

Chèvre should be pretty obvious. The final E is mute. (the end should not be "ver")
In "retourné", you'll most likely have troubles with the Rs (someone told me last week that it sounds like I'm scratching my throat).
The first E is like a (in "a scarf"), the second is a sound that doesn't exist in English. It's the same as fiancé.

I'm thinking a youtube channel would be more useful ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top
Back