Pronunciation of scientists' names

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the correct pronunciation of the names of scientists, specifically "Kirchoff" and "Fresnel." Participants express their personal pronunciations and seek clarification, highlighting regional variations and uncertainties in pronunciation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants pronounce "Kirchoff" as "Kirshoff," with the 'ch' pronounced as 'sh,' while others suggest it is pronounced "Kerkoff."
  • There is agreement among some that "Fresnel" can be pronounced as "Frenel," with one participant affirming this pronunciation as correct.
  • One participant notes that pronunciation may vary significantly based on geographical location.
  • A later post introduces "De Broglie" as another name with pronunciation challenges, prompting further discussion on the correct form.
  • Another participant questions the spelling of "De Broglie," suggesting it should be "de Broglie," indicating potential confusion over the name.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express uncertainty about the correct pronunciations, with multiple competing views on "Kirchoff" and a more consistent agreement on "Fresnel." The discussion remains unresolved regarding the definitive pronunciations of these names.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that pronunciation may depend on regional dialects and cultural contexts, which could lead to different interpretations of the names.

mnhtapu
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I'm confused what is the right pronunciation of "Kirchoff" and "Fresnel".
So far I have been pronouncing 'ch' in Kirchoff as 'sh' i.e. "Kirshoff" and keeping 's' silent in 'Fresnel' i.e. "Frenel" . Anyone from the native country of those two scientists can help me fix the right pronunciations of those two names?
 
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mnhtapu said:
I'm confused what is the right pronunciation of "Kirchoff" and "Fresnel".
So far I have been pronouncing 'ch' in Kirchoff as 'sh' i.e. "Kirshoff" and keeping 's' silent in 'Fresnel' i.e. "Frenel" . Anyone from the native country of those two scientists can help me fix the right pronunciations of those two names?

At least here in sunny California, Kirchoff is pronounced "Kerkoff". You have Fresnel correct. These words could easily be pronounced differently in different parts of the world.
 
Fresnel was a french guy. The pronunciation must be "frenel" like you said.
 
Kirkoff (almost Kierkoff), Frenel
 
mnhtapu said:
I'm confused what is the right pronunciation of "Kirchoff" and "Fresnel".
So far I have been pronouncing 'ch' in Kirchoff as 'sh' i.e. "Kirshoff" and keeping 's' silent in 'Fresnel' i.e. "Frenel" . Anyone from the native country of those two scientists can help me fix the right pronunciations of those two names?
I alway pronounce it Frenel, but you can't go by me. As for Fresnel, I have no idea how it might be pronounced.
 
For a real argument try "De Broglie"
 
mgb_phys said:
For a real argument try "De Broglie"
"De Broglie"? Who's De Broglie? Surely, you refer to de Broglie!
 

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