How do you pronounced Michael Spivak's last name?

  • Thread starter Thread starter osnarf
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the pronunciation of Michael Spivak's last name, exploring various interpretations and personal experiences related to its correct articulation. Participants share their thoughts and experiences, contributing to a broader inquiry into the matter.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose the pronunciation "spih-vach."
  • Others argue for "Spy Vac," indicating a different interpretation.
  • A participant mentions that their teacher pronounced it "spih-vach," suggesting a possible authoritative source.
  • Another participant expresses familiarity with the pronunciation "spih-vack," noting the short vowels in English.
  • There is a playful inquiry about the pronunciation of "vack," with references to "yak in a kayak" and "mach."
  • One participant asserts that they have known Spivak for 45 years and consistently pronounced it "spih' - vak," claiming that this has been the common pronunciation among those who know him.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct pronunciation, as multiple competing views remain evident throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference personal experiences and relationships with Spivak, which may influence their pronunciation preferences. There is also a reliance on informal sources, such as teachers and peers, rather than definitive authority.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in linguistics, pronunciation, or those specifically engaged with Michael Spivak's work may find this discussion relevant.

osnarf
Messages
207
Reaction score
0
Is it spih-vach?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I always thought its was "Spy Vac"
 
Me too, but i asked my teacher a question in it and he pronounced it spih-vach. So I'm wondering if he knows something I don't :)
 
osnarf said:
Me too, but i asked my teacher a question in it and he pronounced it spih-vach. So I'm wondering if he knows something I don't :)

I've never heard it pronouced differently from "spih-vack." Obviously in English the i and a are short vowels.
 
vack like a yak in a kayak? or like mach.
 
osnarf said:
vack like a yak in a kayak? or like mach.

Short "a," so like yak.
 
spih-vach seems correct
 
i have known him for 45 years. i have always pronounced it as spih' - vak, as has everyone else who knew him, and he has never objected.
 

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
8K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
12K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K