luxanne:
So, my friend & I were discussing about English words. How some English words gets pronounced with some silent letters. For example, Psychology, Debut, Paris etc.

He is of the opinion that since these letters are silent in pronounciation, the words should be spelt without them.

Psychology - Sychology

Debut - Debu

Paris - Pari

This I agreed...but it kinda looked odd, Lool.

So my questions here are,

Is there an explanation as to why these silent letters are present in these words to start with?

Why can't words be spelt as pronounced?

Cc Mizmycoli, Specialist900, Kaboninc, Dearpreye, Francizy,

MizMyColi:

Well dearie
I think it has to do with the origin of the words.
If you dig a little deeper, you will find that Psychology prolly originated from a greek or roman word.
Greek, I think....because I remember there is a greek alphabet called "psi"
You get?

Same is applicable for Paris, and Debut....
I like to believe they are french words or originated from french words.
Now ordinarily, French has 26 alphabets like English, but the pronunciations differ.
So, it is only normal to maintain the integrity of the word's origin.

The "Entendre" in double entendre, for example, is a french word which is pronounce ontondre.
Same for "Imbroglio" which means being in a state of confusion or embarrassment, it is pronounce imbroyo.
Another is Julio....this is of spanish/mexican origin, and as such must obey the rules of their alphabets when being pronounced.
"Julio" is pronounced; huyio

It's just the way it is.
lols.

donifez:
Wow! I love this thread,
let me throw in a chip

eg. An inquest was made on chief akuko death.

Inquest here means investigation.

MizMyColi:
Mine...
1. I will not so much as give a Reposit because it's not worth my time.
2. Sometimes, I laugh like a sot, but hey, I love it that way!
Decode Guys
I owe the best answer an e-kiss

MizMyColi:

Well dearie
I think it has to do with the origin of the words.
If you dig a little deeper, you will find that Psychology prolly originated from a greek or roman word.
Greek, I think....because I remember there is a greek alphabet called "psi"
You get?

Same is applicable for Paris, and Debut....
I like to believe they are french words or originated from french words.
Now ordinarily, French has 26 alphabets like English, but the pronunciations differ.
So, it is only normal to maintain the integrity of the word's origin.

The "Entendre" in double entendre, for example, is a french word which is pronounce ontondre.
Same for "Imbroglio" which means being in a state of confusion or embarrassment, it is pronounce imbroyo.
Another is Julio....this is of spanish/mexican origin, and as such must obey the rules of their alphabets when being pronounced.
"Julio" is pronounced; huyio

It's just the way it is.
lols.

MizMyColi:
Okay guys
Good Morning.
I'm bending the rules here, a bit.

Please if you hear your name, pop in and answer present with your answer sheet of course

Exercise To Do

Use 2 uncommon, but malleable words to form a sentence each. The rest of the class will now try to get the meaning.

You should be on stand by to explain further if we do not understand.

Tags:

Thesonofmark Dearpreye Larrysun Specialist900 Ayobase Donifez Zyzxx Darkenedrebel/MrBully Luxanne Kaboninc Megawax8 Beamborla Alezy....
Please pardon if I do not mention.
You are very much welcome to participate.

Legooooo

Specialist900:
now I belive barcanista when him say you sabi book

Specialist900:
first, I'm present

2nd, i dun fail this exam

barcanista:
Na them Mizmycoli type de win awards for school.

megawax8:


If it's to be explained literally, then:

1. Reposit?? The word actually makes the sentence make so much sense to me

2. Perhaps you mean you 'laugh out loud' sometimes but it ain't noones business.

But if there's more to do than I understand, in my defence, I've never loved English cos I'm an engineer....hehehoho

MizMyColi:


Wrooonggg
Ask google.
Lols

megawax8:

If it's to be explained literally, then:
1. Reposit?? The word actually makes the sentence make so much sense to me
2. Perhaps you mean you 'laugh out loud' sometimes but it ain't noones business.
But if there's more to do than I understand, in my defence, I've never loved English cos I'm an engineer....hehehoho

megawax8:



Actually, I meant 'not make so much sense to me' I.e the reposit.


But wait, I think I get it now:

1. You will not so much as give a response/reply because it's not worth my time. "Riposte"

2. Ermmmmmm

Right or right?

megawax8:



Actually, I meant 'not make so much sense to me' I.e the reposit.


But wait, I think I get it now:

1. You will not so much as give a response/reply because it's not worth my time. "Riposte"

2. Ermmmmmm

Right or right?

megawax8:


So its just about deciphering the meaning of the word?

One could just use a dictionary na

MizMyColi:


Yes, and stock up your vocabs.
There is something about discussing stuff you've learned.

It sticks more.

MizMyColi:
Okay guys
Good Morning.
I'm bending the rules here, a bit.

Please if you hear your name, pop in and answer present with your answer sheet of course

Exercise To Do

Use 2 uncommon, but malleable words to form a sentence each. The rest of the class will now try to get the meaning.

You should be on stand by to explain further if we do not understand.

Tags:

Thesonofmark Dearpreye Larrysun Specialist900 Ayobase Donifez Zyzxx Darkenedrebel/MrBully Luxanne Kaboninc Megawax8 Beamborla Alezy....
Please pardon if I do not mention.
You are very much welcome to participate.

Legooooo

MizMyColi:
Mine...

1. I will not so much as give a Riposte because it's not worth my time.


2. Sometimes, I laugh like a sot, but hey, I love it that way!


Decode Guys
I owe the best answer an e-kiss

Oya Chop am

ayobase:


- Riposte: Also Repartee. A prompt and smart response

-Sot: Chronic drunkard.

ayobase:


Present.

1. Fiend
Example: He is a childish, sexually frustrated squash fiend - What a boring life.

2. Shingle
Example: With that shingle, there's no way you could miss his name.

megawax8:


Mine...

1: Only a loser can consider life as floccinaucinihilipilification, because he has not yet reached success.

2: Been on this forum a while but hardly comment for a believe a higher percentage of members to be fatuous

It should be belief....I think. What's up, Thronekid

2. Fatuous means Foolish. (I didn't ask google o)

Wait lemme ask her for number 1.

MizMyColi:


It should be belief....I think. What's up, Thronekid

2. Fatuous means Foolish. (I didn't ask google o)

Wait lemme ask her for number 1.

MizMyColi:


It should be belief....I think. What's up, Thronekid

2. Fatuous means Foolish. (I didn't ask google o)

Wait lemme ask her for number 1.

MizMyColi:
Okay guys
Good Morning.
I'm bending the rules here, a bit.

Please if you hear your name, pop in and answer present with your answer sheet of course

Exercise To Do

Use 2 uncommon, but malleable words to form a sentence each. The rest of the class will now try to get the meaning.

You should be on stand by to explain further if we do not understand.

Tags:

Thesonofmark Dearpreye Larrysun Specialist900 Ayobase Donifez Zyzxx Darkenedrebel/MrBully Luxanne Kaboninc Megawax8 Beamborla Alezy....
Please pardon if I do not mention.
You are very much welcome to participate.

Legooooo

MizMyColi:


It should be belief....I think. What's up, Thronekid

2. Fatuous means Foolish. (I didn't ask google o)

Wait lemme ask her for number 1.

MizMyColi:


1. Sexually frustrated flat evil/demon.

2. A rather conspicuous signboard.

thronekid:

Googled.