Euler was pronounced with a long u sound

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the pronunciation of various mathematical and scientific names, particularly focusing on "Euler." Participants share their experiences and uncertainties regarding the correct pronunciations of names such as L'Hopital, Gauss, De Moivre, and Fourier, highlighting the challenges of pronouncing names that are often only encountered in written form.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant initially believed "Euler" was pronounced with a long "u" sound, similar to "Euclid."
  • Another participant expressed a common struggle with pronouncing "Euler" correctly, noting that they had also been pronouncing it incorrectly for a long time.
  • Several participants provided their interpretations of the pronunciations for names like L'Hopital, Gauss, De Moivre, and Fourier, with variations in their suggestions.
  • One participant suggested that surname pronunciations can be unpredictable, referencing a sitcom example.
  • There was a repeated assertion that "Euler" is pronounced "oiler," with some participants confirming this pronunciation.
  • Disagreement arose regarding the pronunciation of "De Moivre," with different participants offering varying interpretations, including a suggestion that it could be pronounced like "mauve."
  • Some participants noted the influence of French accents on the pronunciation of names, particularly for "De Moivre" and "Fourier."
  • A participant shared their experience of learning the French accent and emphasized the importance of pronouncing "de" as "duh" rather than "day."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views on the correct pronunciations of the names mentioned, particularly "De Moivre," with no consensus reached on the various interpretations provided.

Contextual Notes

Participants expressed uncertainty about the correct pronunciations and acknowledged that their understanding may be influenced by their linguistic backgrounds and experiences.

GeoMike
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"Euler" was pronounced with a long "u" sound

Ok,
Up until last week I thought "Euler" was pronounced with a long "u" sound (like Euclid).

Since most of the famous names of science/math are names I have read, not heard, I was wondering if someone could give me the correct pronunciation of the following names (some of them seem pretty simple, but I thought Euler was too, so who knows now...):

L'Hopital
Gauss
De Moivre
Fourier

I'm sure there are others I'm forgetting, I'll add more as I think of them.
Thanks!
-GeoMike-
 
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I always love the challenge of explaining how to pronounce words someone has only seen in writing...in writing. :smile: Especially when I have no way of using diacritical marks to help.

This might help:
http://www.waukesha.uwc.edu/mat/kkromare/up.html

If it's any consolation, I always pronounce Euler wrong too. I know the correct pronunciation, but like you, had spent so long pronouncing it incorrectly based on reading it rather than hearing it that it's permanently stuck in my brain with the wrong pronunciation.
 
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L'Hopital - low-pital
Gauss -Gauß
De Moivre -de- mo-yiey? (no r sound)
Fourier -fo-yiey? (no r sound)
 
When it comes to surnames, all rules are thrown out the window. I love a British sitcom I watch where the wife is always telling people that their name is pronounced Bouquet...even though it's spelled Bucket.
 
so Euler is said "oiler" right?
 
Physics is Phun said:
so Euler is said "oiler" right?

Yes.

texxxxxxxxxxxt
 
cyrusabdollahi said:
De Moivre -de- mo-yiey? (no r sound)

I thought it was pronounced like "mauve"s.
 
I'm so glad to see people follow the links I provide. :rolleyes: De Moivre was in that list.
 
From moonbear:

duh 'mwah vruh

My guess:

De Moivre -de- mo-yiey? (no r sound)

see, I was close.
 
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  • #10
cyrusabdollahi said:
From moonbear:

duh 'mwah vruh

My guess:

De Moivre -de- mo-yiey? (no r sound)

see, I was close.

Uh huh. :rolleyes: There's an r sound. :wink: :biggrin:
 
  • #11
Depends on which French accent you use. :-p
 
  • #12
De Moivre : duh-mwa-vruh...with the French "r"
Fourier : Fuh-r-i-eee. No r sound at the end

The "duh" is like the Homer Simpson "duh" but less strong. LOL
marlon
 
  • #13
It took me a few years to get the French accent down while studying the language, so I know not everyone would be able to pronounce "De Moivre" using the French 'r.' But at least say "de" as "duh" and not "day." ;)
 
  • #14
z-component said:
It took me a few years to get the French accent down while studying the language, so I know not everyone would be able to pronounce "De Moivre" using the French 'r.' But at least say "de" as "duh" and not "day." ;)

OK,

It is always good policy to learn for the best, wouldn't you say. So, for all you native English speakers out there, here is the master of the Fench "r" : Edith Piaf.

Try to mimic the "non, rrrrien de rrrien, non je ne rrregrrette rien". In spoken French, this "r" is a bit too strong but let's take this clip as an example of a "stressed r", just to learn.

LOL

enjoy

marlon

ps : i love the new PF skin update, especially the multi-quote thing
 
  • #15
Moonbear said:
This might help:
http://www.waukesha.uwc.edu/mat/kkromare/up.html

Ah! it's great! Now I have my fehrmahs and gowsses right.
 
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  • #16
z-component said:
But at least say "de" as "duh" and not "day." ;)

My wife (who teaches French) has to remind me of this occasionally when I'm talking about the Tour de France. :blushing:
 

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