Kah-day-nah vs. Ka-dee-na

[Blues]

How do you pronounce Kadena? I prefer to pronounce it in the Japanese accent since it is a Japanese name. About 90% of the time I always hear it pronounced with strong E.

Tomato...Tomahto, I guess.

What do you think is correct?

[trissytrissy47]

Ka-deh-na I guess is the correct way but...

I find myself always saying Ka(dee)na. That's the way it was introduced to me, that's the way I said it for the longest time. Then, I found out the Japanese way.

I still say it 'our' way cause...well...I just already got into the swing of things.

I also usually say 'root' when I'm saying route XD

[DJ Tak]

The folks that say Ka-dEE-na are the same ones that say Fa-Tee-ma (yeah, no N either).

[Bones]

It makes sense to me to say it either way. What if you're lost, and can't find your way back? And the only way to find your way back is to say it correctly?

Bones

[DocTurtle]

I say Ka-DEE-na and Fa-ten-ma

[trissytrissy47]

Takeo, I'm one of those folks who say KaDEEna, but I say FuteNma...I'm not even sure I've EVER heard anyone pronounce Futeema. O.o Shouldn't I also pronounce my 'f' with a weird h-y whistling sort of airy deal?

[-Rudel-]

I heard plenty of the young nationals pronounce Kedena as Ka-dee-na. It's a "hip" way I guess.

I personally pronounce it as Ka-dee-na. But if I want to go to the actual village, I tell my wife Kadena.

I think most nationals would pronounce Futenma as Fu-tem-ma. I do it. Of course with the Fu, my teeth barely touch my lower lip, to give the hit of a Hu sound.

[Rossi46]

For me I guess it's Ka-dee-na, becuase most locals I've come across say it that way

Ask a Japanese person to pronounce Philadelphia...always good for a friendly laugh.

[kombu_kid]

Ka-dee-na/Fu-ten-ma for me too.......probably say Ka-day-na if speaking to a Japanese person, though. I go a little light on the "F" sound compared to how I'd normally say an English word, but I ain't goin' full-blown HU-HU on my F's.......screw that. Just like I wouldn't roll my R's if speaking any Spanish.

I'd say about 90% of the Americans I've met say Fa-tee-ma.

[P_chan]

Ka-deh-na is the correct way to pronounce it but I often say Ka-dee-na because that's how just about every other american says it. But I often try to correct myself:D.

[macker]

A say S-H-I-T-H-O-L-E

[SignoftheEndTimes]

I was told it was pronounced Ka-day-na when I started japanese language courses. But I say Ka dee na anyway because I'm an idiot =p lol

[Tanimaga]

Years ago someone high up in the Kadena food chain wanted to have everyone pronounce Kadena the proper Japanese way of "Kah-day-na". I believe it was on a commercial on the radio at the time.

Even new people to the island were calling people on it when they said "Ka-dee-na".

I figured why say Kadena the proper way, when every other Japanese word is going to be butchered?

"Karaoke on Kadena"....

"Care-ee-oo-key on Kuh-day-nah"

or "O-ka-na-wa"?

[Muku]

Here's my two cents......:rolleyes:

You want to say it the right way, learn the Japanese pronunciation.


Think about that though, people dont like having their names butchered and are appreciative when others make the effort to say their names correctly so I would say use the same logic and show some respect for the people here and try to do the same.

Trying to say it correctly makes a difference as well, noone here are asking for or expect perfection either I would also venture to say as well.

Btw, names like Kadena, or Fu-te-n-ma are peoples family names as well. And romaji which is used to write those names is just out of convenience to those people who can not read kana. The accurate pronunciation for both are 嘉手納、かでな、and 　普天間　ふてんま　

Now that's the correct way to say them:D

[OtisPMerriweather]

Lemme break it down for you. Some of you have been around Japanese people too much and don't know how to "twerk" it.

If you're going to the area out in town named Kadena, you say "Ka-den-a". If you're going to the American base, you say "Ka-dee-nah". If you're going to the area out in town up by the shrine and all that shit, you say "Fu-ten-ma". If you're going to protest and lay down on the runway in protest, you say "we're going to protest 'Fu-tee-ma'".

Get it? Got it? Good.

[Muku]

Lemme break it down for you. Some of you have been around Japanese people too much and don't know how to "twerk" it.

If you're going to the area out in town named Kadena, you say "Ka-de-na". If you're going to the American base, you say "Ka-dee-nah". If you're going to the area out in town up by the shrine and all that shit, you say "Fu-te-n-ma". If you're going to protest and lay down on the runway in protest, you say "we're going to protest 'Fu-tee-ma'".

Get it? Got it? Good.

I fixed your quote for you, otherwise :thumbup::D

[Trail]

I say Ka-dee-na but I know it is incorrect. I get funny looks from Americans when I say Ka-day-na as well as getting corrected. I say Fu-ten-ma but still have a hard time not saying the F so harsh. Meh... I try and that is all that matters.

[dk]

A say S-H-I-T-H-O-L-E
:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

[Muku]

I say Ka-dee-na but I know it is incorrect. I get funny looks from Americans when I say Ka-day-na as well as getting corrected. I say Fu-ten-ma but still have a hard time not saying the F so harsh. Meh... I try and that is all that matters.

Trail here is a hint to stopping the harsh F.....try saying it "hu" instead of "fu".

Also the te-and n- are totally separate sounds, so phonetically it would be similar to "Hu-te-n-ma". Just remember to say the "Hu" softly like you are blowing air softly between your lips saying the word "who" as you are doing it.:D

[DoctorP]

Fu-ten-ma


Ka-dee-na..

if i am wrong **** it.....

I know how to pronounce U.S.A


How? North Mexico? :D

[dk]

How? North Mexico? :D
Canada's jock strap.

[Richard Burns]

Although it is pronounced Ka (day) na in Japanese I prefer to pronounce it Ka (dee) na.
Unless I am talking to a Japanese person.
Also my BIGGEST pet peeve is when I hear Americans pronounce Kadena the correct way. I hate it. lmao

[Blues]

huh?

so I suppose you hate kah-rah-tay, ka-rah-o-kay, mahn-ga, & ah-nee-may??

"Soo bai yoru rogic senn yuu shinku habingu ah shikku aksennto izu kuur raitto?"

Interesting...Guess I'll keep saying かでな。　dough-mo air-E-gatt-toe... (rolling eyes)

[trissytrissy47]

XD Wow

I kind of see where Chuck's coming from though.

Sometimes it annoys me coming from certain people.

Like, there are those people who try to pronounce it correctly out of courtesy or diplomacy or whatever.

And then there are those people who pronounce it correctly because their shit dont stink! One girl I know says Kadayna but she's got this holier than thou attitude about everything so I just wanna slap her in the face no matter what she's saying. XD

[Blues]

Maybe some people (in general) are slightly intimidated when someone else is proficient in a language and the individual may come off as a snob. Language can be bring people together and bring them apart.

[kombu_kid]

Maybe we Americans just love it when words have that "roll off your tongue" quality.......you gotta admit that Ka-DEE-na and Fa-TEE-ma have got that. I think we also love that big accent in the middle too. My wife used to always trip out on how we pronounce Japanese words, throwing in that big time accent somewhere in the word........Oka-NA-wa or Mit-suh-BEE-shee.......

[P_chan]

I try to pronounce it the correct way because....well that's the correct way to pronounce it. I hate it when someone butchers my name but if they make an effort to say it the right way then I don't have a problem with that. Which is why I agree with muku, it's kinda respectful to at least try to pronounce it the right way.

[sktmfy]

I say kadeena and fu Ten ma... some of the young locals also say kadeena opposed to saying it with the japanese accent, maybe because they think its cool, and they want to speak american...for example, i bet most of us americans, when we refer to Pizza LA we say "pizza El Ay" instead of pizzala...my japanese brother in law heard the way I pronounce it now he and his wife and the rest of the fam call it pizza LA

[vvloc]

I hate it when someone butchers my name

How can anyone mispronounce P_Chan?

[DougP]

I say kadeena and fu Ten ma... some of the young locals also say kadeena opposed to saying it with the japanese accent, maybe because they think its cool, and they want to speak american...for example, i bet most of us americans, when we refer to Pizza LA we say "pizza El Ay" instead of pizzala...my japanese brother in law heard the way I pronounce it now he and his wife and the rest of the fam call it pizza LA
I still stay Pizza La incorrectly, not in the way you described. I pronounce it; Pizza <pause> La (lah). Apparently its said as one word, not two, so its just pizzala. The spacing is what screws me up.

to debate over how to pronounce a word like this makes as much sense as arguing over whether you should pronounce

Aunt as either (ont) or (ant)

does it really matter???

the bigger question is why would anyone let it get their panties in a bunch??

That kind of reasoning makes sense for those of us that grew up learning US English and are used to hearing a variety of accents. Over here, mispronouncing a word can be the difference between saying cute or scary. Heck, if you were to say 'nut and squirrel' in Japanese too quickly it would come off as sounding like you said clitoris. Some languages do not allow a lot of flexibility when it comes to pronunciation.

[OtisPMerriweather]

to debate over how to pronounce a word like this makes as much sense as arguing over whether you should pronounce

Aunt as either (ont) or (ant)

does it really matter???

the bigger question is why would anyone let it get their panties in a bunch??

I know I don't get all wound up when Japanese speak English improperly. I think most people with common sense will realize that you are from another country and that your pronumciation won't be perfect. So I am completely not not offended when a Japanese person says "leery?" when the mean "really" or "let's go to 'saicoro'" instead of 'saicolo'. I think they, and the Japanese pronuciation police as well, can cut people a little slack.

[Blues]

Pronunciation is key:

Here is a simple example:
(remove contextal situation from the speaker)

"My ant just died."

"My aunt just died."

Yes these words can be pronounced in two different accents, but it makes more sense to separate the pronunciation.

If the word's pronunciation were strictly separated to ANT and ONT, there would be less confusion over what the speaker intention's were.

English and Japanese are both excellently difficult in having words that sound closely alike. Hence, sometimes its important sometimes to give a d@mn to pronounce things correctly.

[Jazz]

Never heard Pizza La pronounced Pizza El A.

What if you knew someone named Saori? I would automatically call her Saori with the proper Japanese accent but I know many Americans who would immediately call her Say-or-E. I just don't understand it. Even if they always heard Japanese or peple who knew her intimately call her Saori, they'd never change from Say-or-E. Not too toot my own horn and I really don't care how others pronounce words, but when I came here it took me about 5 seconds (Ok maybe weeks) to adopt the whole Ah, Eh, E, Oh, OO vice the A E I O U. But I think it's cause some people just aren't interested. I developed a strong interest in it as soon as I got here.......

To each his own.

[Carl]

If I'm around other Americans, I'll pronounce it Kah-dee-na, otherwise I pronounce it the right way.

And speaking of Kadena, here's a picture Reon Kadena:
http://www.reonkadenagallery.com/images/gallery/08.jpg
We should ask her how to pronounce it :D

Edit: About pronunciations... I was trying to get a taxi to take me to Lawson one time,b he had no idea what I was trying to say until I struggled to pronounce it like Japanese people. Same thing happened to me with Family Mart.

[DJ Tak]

If I'm around other Americans, I'll pronounce it Kah-dee-na, otherwise I pronounce it the right way.

And speaking of Kadena, here's a picture Reon Kadena:
http://www.reonkadenagallery.com/images/gallery/08.jpg
We should ask her how to pronounce it :D

However the hell she wants me to.

[Blues]

I finished watching an episode of Great Teacher Onizuka, and the sexy school's nurse name was nao kadena (ka-day-nah).

Granted I say Paris (Pair-iss) instead of (Pair-ee) and I butcher German names too, but I would think at a minimum it would be beneficial to pronounce them in the native accent if you're living in the country. It's taking that extra step to show the host nation that you give a d@mn about being there.

It's annoying to see people who refuse to learn or partake anyother culture but their own.

[I Am Luna]

Moo-koo? MmMUhh-Koo?

[OtisPMerriweather]

Edit: About pronunciations... I was trying to get a taxi to take me to Lawson one time,b he had no idea what I was trying to say until I struggled to pronounce it like Japanese people. Same thing happened to me with Family Mart.

So, did you say "Rawson"? :D

[Trail]

Ask a Japanese person to say "Aluminum Foil." Just like they ask us to pronounce their words correctly, sometimes it just doesn't come out right even if we do try our damnedest.

Another note, I had to stifle a giggle when I heard a Japanese man say " Oh reer ree?" *Oh really*

[DJ Tak]

The difference between the locals being able to pronounce our words and Americans being able to pronounce Japanese words goes a lot further than Rs and Ls. Every sound that is required to pronounce a Japanese word has been uttered by an English speaker at one time or another, but that is not the case for Japanese who try to speak English. Once again, I will say that the only reason why people screw up Japanese pronunciation is because they are either lazy, ignorant or plain old stupid.

[Carl]

Ask a Japanese person to say "Aluminum Foil." Just like they ask us to pronounce their words correctly, sometimes it just doesn't come out right even if we do try our damnedest.

Another note, I had to stifle a giggle when I heard a Japanese man say " Oh reer ree?" *Oh really*

My wife still has trouble with "girl" and "grill". Also "hungry" comes out as "angry".

[DoctorP]

Once again, I will say that the only reason why people screw up Japanese pronunciation is because they are either lazy, ignorant or plain old stupid.

I would have to agree only if the person continually mispronounces something. I wouldn't lump everyone into those categories.

[DJ Tak]

I would have to agree only if the person continually mispronounces something. I wouldn't lump everyone into those categories.

I agree with you. Any time you learn something new, it is difficult. But like you said, if you continue to do it, even after you are corrected, then you fall into one of those categories.

Another one of my favorite excuses is when people say "I speak English, I'll say it the way I want".

[DougP]

Ask a Japanese person to say "Aluminum Foil."

Ask someone from the UK to say aluminum, for them its spelled aluminium. :)

Americans will usually say it like: uh-loo-mi-num.
The English seem to pronounce it: Al-yoo-min-ee-um. (roughly)

English has to be one of the worst languages for a non native speaker to pick up. Mainly because of the many accents, differences in spelling and variations of accepted pronunciation of words. There were numerous occasions where I could not understand what was being said to me, in English, when I was in Australia. The local dialect/accent was so strong, so different from my own, that it was like an alien language. Some other languages, like Japanese, seem to be a bit more homogeneous. So to me, it may be laughable the way foreigners try to pronounce our words but I'd imagine that those who are struggling have never had any real consistency in practicing. Just about every native English speaker that they run into is going to say things slightly different, throwing them off. That's one of the things that I have enjoyed about learning Japanese. Aside from some of the slight differences with local dialects, to my untrained ears, the pronunciation seems to be rather standardize. I'm glad that I'm a native English speaker, because I would hate to have to learn English after knowing another language or two. :)

[DJ Tak]

PJ

I don't think that's the point. It's not about learning another language and it's not immersing oneself in another culture. It's about saying something the way that it was meant to be. How would you feel if someone constantly mispronounced your name, even after the knew the correct way to say it?

[DoctorP]

If I am talking about Kadena (the base) then I say it Ka-dee-na. If I am talking about Kadena (the town or a persons name) then I say it Ka-deh-na as it is intended to be said.

Why do I say it differently? 1. Because most Americans don't know or don't care the correct way to say it. 2. If I say Ka-deh-na to another American I get the "deer in the headlights" look. 3. KAB is in all respects "America Land" so why wouldn't it be said differently? I mean it is it's own little world anyway.

[DJ Tak]

I mean it is it's own little world anyway.

Only place on the island that you can make a left on red.

[Carl]

Only place on the island that you can make a left on red.

You can? I've seen others do it a couple times, but I always thought they just didn't know any better.

[DougP]

I understand where you're coming from, PJ, as it is nothing to really get bent out of shape about. But if you are going to do something, ie say words in a foreign language, best policy would be to do it right. That is assuming theres truly a right way to do it. In the case of English, there are several "right" ways to do it. With Japanese, not so much. Now some may understand what you mean even if you're saying it wrong, but that's just because they've grown accustomed to hearing it mispronounced. Like I said, I can understand where you're coming from and we ALL mispronounce names of places and or people quite often. My folks had a hard time saying my brother in laws name when they came to visit. It happens but at the same time it was nice to see them try their best, and not to see them shrug it off. Sometimes 'not caring' can be looked at as disrespectful.

It reminds me of this time we had a guy get promoted from staff sausage to SFC. He, as the tradition went, recited the "NCO Creed". Well wouldn't you know it, starting from the line: "I realize that I am a member of a time honored corps, which is known as "The Backbone of the Army". Every time he said corps, he pronounced it as corpse, you know, a dead body. Everyone in formation was just standing there with that "WTF" look on their face, how could a newly promoted Sergeant First Class, an E7, make such an idiotic mistake and disrespect the NCO corps? Well afterwards, a few of us junior NCOs went over there and let him know about the "error" he had made, several times. He just looked at us and said, "Whatever, that's how I say it." So again, sometimes taking that little effort to just say something the right way, can go a lot further. In cases like Kadena, its slightly more understandable how we tend to get caught up in saying it wrong. But hey, when you're wrong you're wrong. If I'm saying something wrong, I can't get mad at someone for pointing it out of for clowning on me about it.

[Trail]

The difference between the locals being able to pronounce our words and Americans being able to pronounce Japanese words goes a lot further than Rs and Ls. Every sound that is required to pronounce a Japanese word has been uttered by an English speaker at one time or another, but that is not the case for Japanese who try to speak English. Once again, I will say that the only reason why people screw up Japanese pronunciation is because they are either lazy, ignorant or plain old stupid.

I have to disagree. Take "ry" for example. It takes practice to say it correctly when you have spoken English. We've had basic word and vowel sound pounded into our heads and they do not come undone easily. "Fu" does not sound the same as "Hu" in the English language. So starting out, you say FU-ten-ma. Also, most locals have been around MANY Americans through the year so it is much easier for them to pronounce a word they have possibly heard in passing. At least give some credit to those who try rather not even bothering with it at all. Not everyone gets it right the first time nor does everyone have the grace to have someone who speaks Japanese help them.

[Trail]

My wife still has trouble with "girl" and "grill". Also "hungry" comes out as "angry".

I did not say what I said as being mean and I know you did not take it that way. Japanese people need to practice English in order to speak properly if they wish, just like those who wish to learn Japanese need to practice the proper pronunciation.

I am sure there are Japanese people that giggle at me. I had an old lady grumble and call me a gaijin for trying to speak Japanese and all I said was "Gomen Nasai." :-|

[I Am Luna]

If I'm saying something wrong, I can't get mad at someone for pointing it out of for clowning on me about it.
I guess that is what it comes down to. For PimpJuice and myself, we'll be damned if anyone comes up to us in person and says "Hey, you are mispronouncing the name of the Air Base/Town, its Ka-day-na."

:-|

[Blues]

I'm willing to bet the people who don't care are willing to correct people if someone mispronounced their hometown's name.

Just because everyone has been saying it wrong for the last 50 years doesnt make it correct.

Anyone laugh when Daniel-san says Mee-ya-jee? (Miyagi) Sounds pretty dumb right?
ji & gi are two different sounds.

[tim duncan]

if you are going to name a place have to agree with the others that you should pronounce it properly.....within the culture..where ever you are....

it is all about respect....

names and titles are important...i am sure that you would agree that if some foreigner made and attempt to pronounce your name as best they could then you would appreciate it...

people care about..how their name is pronounced imho...it is their name after all....:)

[Muku]

we are not talking about a persons name...

we are talking about the name of an airbase (and a village or town) in japan...



Which for your information are one in the same.

There are plenty of people here named 嘉手納　かでな　or 普天間　ふてんま. :D

[Obe1Canole]

Easy. If you're Japanese you say it the way a Japanese person would say it, "Ka-deh-nah". If you're American you pronounce it the way an American would pronounce it, "Ka-dee-nuh". That's like asking a Japanese person how to properly pronounce McDonalds.

[Muku]

Easy. If you're Japanese you say it the way a Japanese person would say it, "Ka-deh-nah". If you're American you pronounce it the way an American would pronounce it, "Ka-dee-nuh". That's like asking a Japanese person how to properly pronounce McDonalds.

Real good there Obe......:thumbdown: It's no wonder the French particularly hate it when American's speak their language.

If someone teaches you the correct way to say a word in any particular language I have to say that it is arrogance on their part not to use the correct pronunciation from that time on.

If you are just joking around I apologize.

Takeo brought up a great point about the pronunciation and I would agree with him here except....
Every sound that is required to pronounce a Japanese word has been uttered by an English speaker at one time or another,
off the top of my head here the consonant blends of Ryu, and Kyu which are NOT pronounced "ri-yu" or "ki-yu":D

[Jazz]

Easy. If you're Japanese you say it the way a Japanese person would say it, "Ka-deh-nah". If you're American you pronounce it the way an American would pronounce it, "Ka-dee-nuh". That's like asking a Japanese person how to properly pronounce McDonalds.

Ma koo do na doo do

[Muku]

Ma koo do na doo do

Ryu:thumbup: LMAO here but it would be....

Ma koo do na ru do:grin1:

[Jazz]

Ryu:thumbup: LMAO here but it would be....

Ma koo do na ru do:grin1:

Yeah, but the r in ru sounds more like a d doesn't it?

[Obe1Canole]

Real good there Obe......:thumbdown: It's no wonder the French particularly hate it when American's speak their language.

If someone teaches you the correct way to say a word in any particular language I have to say that it is arrogance on their part not to use the correct pronunciation from that time on.

If you are just joking around I apologize.

Actually I was 100% serious. There are countless words in the Enlish language that came from other languages that we don't pronounce the way they are pronounced in the country it originated from. If we pronounced all those words the way they did in the native languange we would sound like idiots. Are all Americans wrong for not pronouncing every word that came from a different language the way the native country does?

Do you really not agree that the McDonalds analogy was a good point? McDonalds came from America, its pronounced "Mic-don-ulds". The Japanese pronounce it, "Mah-ku-deh-nah-roo-dohs". They didn't pronounce it right, but I don't think they are wrong for it.

Personally, when I am speaking to a Japanese person I will pronounce it "Kah-deh-nah", when I am speaking to an American I will pronounce it "Kuh-dee-nuh".

[DoctorP]

Actually I was 100% serious. There are countless words in the Enlish language that came from other languages that we don't pronounce the way they are pronounced in the country it originated from. If we pronounced all those words the way they did in the native languange we would sound like idiots. Are all Americans wrong for not pronouncing every word that came from a different language the way the native country does?

Do you really not agree that the McDonalds analogy was a good point? McDonalds came from America, its pronounced "Mic-don-ulds". The Japanese pronounce it, "Mah-ku-deh-nah-roo-dohs". They didn't pronounce it right, but I don't think they are wrong for it.

Personally, when I am speaking to a Japanese person I will pronounce it "Kah-deh-nah", when I am speaking to an American I will pronounce it "Kuh-dee-nuh".


Not that it matters Obe...but the main difference is the natural sounds in the two languages. The McDonalds analogy doesn't work (as does any analogy resorting back to English) because of the natural sounds in the Japanese language. Ma Ku Do Ru etc... They spend their whole lives speaking a language that does not have some of the sounds we use on a daily basis, so switching for them is more difficult because they have to completely learn new pronunciations.

American English on the other hand, we know and have said sounds with day, deh, di, whatever. The main problem most English speakers have when learning Japanese is the ra ri ru re ro (la li lu le lo) sounds. (IMO)

[Muku]

Actually I was 100% serious. There are countless words in the Enlish language that came from other languages that we don't pronounce the way they are pronounced in the country it originated from. If we pronounced all those words the way they did in the native languange we would sound like idiots. Are all Americans wrong for not pronouncing every word that came from a different language the way the native country does?

Do you really not agree that the McDonalds analogy was a good point? McDonalds came from America, its pronounced "Mic-don-ulds". The Japanese pronounce it, "Mah-ku-deh-nah-roo-dohs". They didn't pronounce it right, but I don't think they are wrong for it.

Personally, when I am speaking to a Japanese person I will pronounce it "Kah-deh-nah", when I am speaking to an American I will pronounce it "Kuh-dee-nuh".

Actually I disagree for a totally different reason....the original pronunciation given to the Japanese people from what I have been led to believe was Makudonarudo's, just like Ronald here is called Donarudo.

My point is that the Japanese were given a Japanese pronunciation in the first place and not the English pronunciation.

By the way, I give you credit for trying to say it the right way when it comes to かでな but wonder why you make exceptions for Americans? What is wrong with saying it the correct way here?

Oh I think the phrase "When in Rome....."is pertinent right about now.:D

Yeah, but the r in ru sounds more like a d doesn't it?

Try saying this Ma koo do na doo do out loud a few times and you will get the answer.:D

[Jazz]

I want some tacosu or some tako, or I know Tako Tacosu sounds good, maybe with some pico de gallo and hoto so-su.

[P_chan]

off the top of my head here the consonant blends of Ryu, and Kyu which are NOT pronounced "ri-yu" or "ki-yu":D

Now that's one word that I will never be able to pronounce. I always though Ryu would be a good name for one of my sons someday:scared: but my wife says no because I can't pronounce it correctly. It looks like ri-u but when she says Ryu it sounds like "Goooo" lol!

[Obe1Canole]

Not that it matters Obe...but the main difference is the natural sounds in the two languages. The McDonalds analogy doesn't work (as does any analogy resorting back to English) because of the natural sounds in the Japanese language. Ma Ku Do Ru etc... They spend their whole lives speaking a language that does not have some of the sounds we use on a daily basis, so switching for them is more difficult because they have to completely learn new pronunciations.

American English on the other hand, we know and have said sounds with day, deh, di, whatever. The main problem most English speakers have when learning Japanese is the ra ri ru re ro (la li lu le lo) sounds. (IMO)

I had a feeling someone was going to say that. I'm glad you said it rather than Muku. But what about my other comment? I pronounce Japanese words properly to Japanese people but to Americans, the American way. Is that wrong? (IYO)

[Crazysix]

tsu is another for me...sounds like a combo of sue and zoo...damn funny foreigners and their french accents

[DoctorP]

I had a feeling someone was going to say that. I'm glad you said it rather than Muku. But what about my other comment? I pronounce Japanese words properly to Japanese people but to Americans, the American way. Is that wrong? (IYO)

If you read my earlier post, you will see that I do the same thing.

[Jazz]

Now that's one word that I will never be able to pronounce. I always though Ryu would be a good name for one of my sons someday:scared: but my wife says no because I can't pronounce it correctly. It looks like ri-u but when she says Ryu it sounds like "Goooo" lol!

I think it's kinda like dyu. Like put your lips like if you're saying "O" and then try to read DYU as one flowing syllable......???????

[Muku]

I had a feeling someone was going to say that. I'm glad you said it rather than Muku. But what about my other comment? (IYO)

Why is that? :scratchchin:


I pronounce Japanese words properly to Japanese people but to Americans, the American way. Is that wrong?

Why make the distinction in the first place? Why do you feel there needs to be one made anyway?

Here is a question for you, what do you do in "mixed" company? Do you end up saying everything twice for the benefit of both audiences?

Just because you say you do it the American way, does that make it the "right" way?

Why dumb down to appease fellow American's?

[Obe1Canole]

If you read my earlier post, you will see that I do the same thing.

Gotcha:thumbup1:

[P_chan]

I think it's kinda like dyu. Like put your lips like if you're saying "O" and then try to read DYU as one flowing syllable......???????


LOL I tired it on my wife and she said "close":D

[Muku]

I think it's kinda like dyu. Like put your lips like if you're saying "O" and then try to read DYU as one flowing syllable......???????

I was in the process of writing a similar comment here Ryu....:thumbup:

I was taught to first think of the pronunciation as having a very soft almost unvoiced "d" pronunciation prior to the "r" in "ryu", and to pay attention to NOT separating the "ryu" sound into different syllables as it is one on it's own.

Let the total sound just roll off your tongue.

[DougP]

One thing that used to mess me up, was always spelling out a word in romaji and using that to help me pronounce it. The best way for me was to constantly practice saying it, think speech therapy, and use the correct characters for the sounds when reading. Roman characters just don't cut it as they cannot accurately describe all of the sounds used in Japanese, it sort of mind screwed me.

[Jazz]

Uh, PJ, you ok? Who are you talking to your past couple posts here? No offense man but I think the small minority here that may be arrogant in this manner are well worth ignoring. Aren't you sort of instigating them? Just my thoughts...

[Trail]

Now that's one word that I will never be able to pronounce. I always though Ryu would be a good name for one of my sons someday:scared: but my wife says no because I can't pronounce it correctly. It looks like ri-u but when she says Ryu it sounds like "Goooo" lol!

Just name him Yoshiro and call him "Yoshi" for short :D:D:D

[OtisPMerriweather]

I think the door swings both ways. I have heard countless Japanese refer to a friend of mine named George as "Jorg-ee". Why add that extra "ee"? Plus, I think it's a dumb ass argument to have anyways when nobody in AMERICA speaks PROPER English, we all have our dialects and accents- what makes you think Japanese is any different?

Most of the guys here in Okinawa learn their Japanese from an Okinawan girl- by the way, I don't think most Okinawan girls would score the highest scores nationwide on a Japanese proficiency test, just as many Americans from the "country" might struggle on a standardized English proficiency tests, but anyways- the way a NATIVE Okinawan pronounces words in Japanese might seem funny, strange or improper to someone from Tokyo, Nagoya, or northern Japan! So who's to say who's right?

The entire purpose of talking is to communicate, and get your point across. In the everyday tone of casual conversation, it doesn't make that big a f-in deal HOW you say Kadena, especially if you are attempting to speak Japanese. But this is just one of those things people use to drive a wedge between themselves and others to make themselves FEEL intellectually superior to someone else- same as you get those pretentious people that speak all haughty and proper in America. They think it makes them look cultured, or more civilized, when really, they come off sounding like Alfred the Butler, and stuck up.

Nobody likes those people.

[Muku]

I think the door swings both ways. I have heard countless Japanese refer to a friend of mine named George as "Jorg-ee". Why add that extra "ee"? Plus, I think it's a dumb ass argument to have anyways when nobody in AMERICA speaks PROPER English, we all have our dialects and accents- what makes you think Japanese is any different?



FYI George happens to be a Japanese name as well, hence the extra "ee" sound at the end.:D

[Muku]

oh well... it will kuh dee nuh for me... if i do happen to offend a japansese person... (which i doubt) i probably wont be able to understand them anyway...



Personally I think it's admirable that you are trying to say it the proper way.:thumbup1:

[Muku]

The entire purpose of talking is to communicate, and get your point across. ....................... But this is just one of those things people use to drive a wedge between themselves and others to make themselves FEEL intellectually superior to someone else- same as you get those pretentious people that speak all haughty and proper in America. They think it makes them look cultured, or more civilized, when really, they come off sounding like Alfred the Butler, and stuck up.


If I didnt know better I could also read this to mean that you have a problem with people that try to better themselves by learning a different language, this time it being Japanese.

I wonder if you would say the same thing if it was Spanish, French, German or some other European language?

I could also read this comment here as coming from someone that has a hard time communicating in Japanese and sense at the minimum a twinge of jealously that others may be able to communicate better in it than you do.

In the everyday tone of casual conversation, it doesn't make that big a f-in deal HOW you say Kadena, especially if you are attempting to speak Japanese.



It would depend upon who you are talking and where I would say. It could very well make a difference. To me however the fact that you are trying to use the language speaks volumes to me about you and your character.

Yet I do not understand why it is necessary to make special allowances for those that continue to mispronounce the language, even knowing that they are incorrect.

[OtisPMerriweather]

If I didnt know better I could also read this to mean that you have a problem with people that try to better themselves by learning a different language, this time it being Japanese.

I wonder if you would say the same thing if it was Spanish, French, German or some other European language?

I could also read this comment here as coming from someone that has a hard time communicating in Japanese and sense at the minimum a twinge of jealously that others may be able to communicate better in it than you do.



Wha???

Again, you've never met me, but the people here that have, know that I speak and understand a fair amount of Japanese. I'm not fluent by any stretch of the imagination, but I can get around fairly well. I've been married to my Japanese wife for over four years and spent about three years in Hawaii and Japan before that, so I've had a decent amount of practice.

Not saying all that to "flout my credentials" or anything like that, I know you know about ten times as much Japanese as I'll probably ever learn, and I really wasn't directing those comments towards you, despite how you took it.

I'm talking about the kids that take a couple of classes on base, learn how to scribble some hiragana, and know how to order some cheap ass awamori in a restaurant, and suddenly, they thumb their noses at everybody else cause they think they know soooo much more about Okinawa and Japan, and that somehow makes them better.

And again, maybe you don't know me, but I'd say the EXACT same thing about other languages- hell, I say it about anything snotty people try to use to "separate" themselves from everybody else. I just really hate those type of people, that consider themselves an "expert" on one thing or another, and instead of using that knowledge to help people, they use it to try to show others constantly how dumb they are, all the while just making themselves look like asses.

It's like the difference between a successful chef that hosts a cooking show, like Paula Deen or Emeril, and tries to teach new cooks tricks of the trade, and timesaving tips to make great meals, versus the snooty, pretentious executive chef from some culinary institute, or a guy like Gordon Ramsay, who tells everybody how bad their cooking is, and degrades people because they are not as "perfect" as he.

Now, I hear people all the time speaking Japanese words incorrectly, but instead of being anal about it, and wagging my finger at every imperfection, I just give the guy an "A" for effort, knowing full well that with a bit more time and practice, he will get it right- same as I'm sure the people YOU learned Japanese from didn't constantly correct your every mistake.

So let's not start making assumptions about people we don't know. Lots of times, you'd be really, really, wrong.

[Sex Wax]

Well, I say "Kadeena" and "Futenma". If thats not how to say Kadena correctly, I could care less. The locals know what I mean. When they learn how to say my last name as "Miller" and not "Mira", i'll fricken say Kadena right. L....EL, say it L, Mi-LL-er not "Mi-ra".

[Muku]

OPM did you read the first line of my reply?

If I didnt know better........ Which means I do know better:D

I was just trying to point out to you that the way I mentioned it could be one way that you could have been read.

Thank you for clarifying your comments it makes it much easier to understand now where you are coming from.:thumbup1:

[DoctorP]

Seems that people on both sides of the barrel seem to get uptight over this...even those that say they don't give a shit. LMAO.

[OtisPMerriweather]

Seems that people on both sides of the barrel seem to get uptight over this...even those that say they don't give a shit. LMAO.

:D

I guess I could sum it up and say I like smart people, just not smart asses.

[kombu_kid]

:D

I guess I could sum it up and say I like smart people, just not smart asses.

Some asses ARE right smart!......

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b276/MyCammer/9ZZ6E_avatar_6974-1.gif

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b276/MyCammer/ass_best.jpg

[P_chan]

this attitude in some is a shining example of the worst part of being here in okinawa.. THOSE people....You know....I often heard this from each end of the spectrum. It's THOSE people that make Okinawa a bad place sometimes. THOSE people, the one's who insist on proving how japanese they are and letting everyone in an earshot know about it. Then there is the other group of THOSE people who insist on being rude jackasses in public and almost flaunt their "rebellious" attitude towards the other group of THOSE people and are just as bad IMO. Me, I enjoy taking in the culture and sharing my knowledge on certain aspects of the culture. Sure I might butt into a conversation and explain something about one aspect of Okinawa that people don't understand. But I'm not going to do it at every opportunity because I really don't care that a certain individual takes pride in their ignorance. Don't get me wrong, not knowing does not equal ignorance. It's knowing and deliberately doing the opposite, like shouting "chin chin nami nami" over and over again while in a restaurant:rolleyes:, that's ignorant.

Bottom line, the place is what you make it. Regardless of the groups of THOSE people.

[wenjam]

It also has to do with the spelling...differently pronounced by each language. English, Kadena....there are not 2 n's therefore it should be a long E. And the Japanese pronounce it with the short e. But is just depends on the person....when was the last time an American spoke proper English...? Not I!!!:)

[Trail]

Ok, for those who care:
MCCS Libraries are offering a Nihongo (Japanese) class through Rosetta Stone for FREE and within the comfort of your home on your home computer. Mods are structured and you have 1 week to complete a module. If you are inactive for 1 week, you are dropped from the course. Other languages are also offered. It took me 10 minutes max to sign up for the course AND get my library card at the same time.

As soon as I get my confirmation email, I can pass along more info.

[Trail]

Bumping this thread to get the word out about the Rosetta Stone courses at MCCS libraries. It doesn't have to be Japanese since they offer other languages as well. Great chance to brush up or learn a new language.

[Carl]

Bumping this thread to get the word out about the Rosetta Stone courses at MCCS libraries. It doesn't have to be Japanese since they offer other languages as well. Great chance to brush up or learn a new language.

Is this open to everyone or just active duty?

[Trail]

Is this open to everyone or just active duty?

Everyone as long as you have an MCCS library card.

[Vincent]

I pronounce it 'Ka-dee-na' because most people pronounce it that way. If I'm speaking Japanese, I correct the De sound. One thing about Japanese.. the cadence of speech tends to be different than in English, so even if you pronouce 'De' correctly, saying 'Kadena' still sounds awkward in English speech. I don't think it's worth the trouble to properly modify the word, when you're just trying to get your point across to an American that doesn't care about Japan or the language (and Okinawa has a lot of those). Just my opinion, not saying any one else's is wrong.

[dk]

I pronounce it 'Ka-dee-na' because most people pronounce it that way. If I'm speaking Japanese, I correct the De sound. One thing about Japanese.. the cadence of speech tends to be different than in English, so even if you pronouce 'De' correctly, saying 'Kadena' still sounds awkward in English speech. I don't think it's worth the trouble to properly modify the word, when you're just trying to get your point across to an American that doesn't care about Japan or the language (and Okinawa has a lot of those). Just my opinion, not saying any one else's is wrong.
I do it the same way.

[DougP]

KADENA!!!!!!!!!!!
http://usuarios.lycos.es/enlacess/akira-tetsuo.gif
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a303/Shadix/AkiraTetsuoCrushCat.jpg

[Muku]

I do it the same way.

Damn and all this time I figured this thread was dead......damn necromancing newbies:first::thumbup1:

Ok time to stir up the shit here, since this thread has officially be brought back into the light.

Dk kind of directed towards you but not meant to offend you just to ask a broad question..........

How would you like it if people continually mispronounced your name and called you Dick instead of Dk. I know what your first name "is" so I think you might have an idea of what I am talking about.

Would it bother you that people didnt try to pronounce your name correctly even after they were informed of the proper way of saying it, particularly in the language that it originated in?

Now then an open question to everyone.....would you guys and ladies out there like it if people knowingly and constantly mispronounced your name as well?

[Bones]

Damn and all this time I figured this thread was dead......damn necromancing newbies:first::thumbup1:

Ok time to stir up the shit here, since this thread has officially be brought back into the light.

Dk kind of directed towards you but not meant to offend you just to ask a broad question..........

How would you like it if people continually mispronounced your name and called you Dick instead of Dk. I know what your first name "is" so I think you might have an idea of what I am talking about.

Would it bother you that people didnt try to pronounce your name correctly even after they were informed of the proper way of saying it, particularly in the language that it originated in?

Now then an open question to everyone.....would you guys and ladies out there like it if people knowingly and constantly mispronounced your name as well?

With my real name being what it is, you get used to it.:rolleyes:

[dk]

Not in the mood today, sorry.

If it's an American, I figure they don't know how to say it properly so I just say "Ka-dee-na". If it's a local, I say "Kah-deh-nah". This is not rocket science.

[Bones]

I do, however, take offense when people who have never been to Germany, try to pass off the trash they are selling as being "German Food". Like the "Kadena Officers Club" this afternoon offering "Yeagerschnitzel"? MRE's taste better.:thumbdown:

[DougP]

I've kinda wondered about that actually... about other people mis pronouncing my name or words that are foreign to them. It happens to me all the time. I don't really get offended by it. I realize there are some sounds that are hard for other people to pronounce. Someone pronouncing Kadena like Kah DEE nah is no different than someone pronouncing Douglas Dah Gu Rah Su, especially after knowing me for several years. :) And yes, I have tried, oh how I've tried to explain to them the correct way to say my name... They are forever thinking of my name as its written in katakana just like some Americans (including me) sometimes find it hard to shake the urge of saying the "E" in Kadena like EE.

[Oxmix]

There were 2 guys who were having a disagreement about how to correctly pronounce Hawaii. The first guy said it's pronounced Ha why ee. The second fellow said it's pronounced Ha va ee. A Hawaiian man just happened to be walking past, so the 2 guys stopped him and asked him how to correctly pronounce Hawaii. The man said Ha va ee. The 2 guys said thanks and to that the Hawaiian man said your velcome. :D

When I was on Okinawa I always pronounce Kadena as Ka dee na and Fatenma as Fa tee ma. I even think the locals at the time did also. No one ever tried to correct me.

Ask ChiefK what his wife says, he was on Okinawa in the 60's. What do you say Chief?

Regards

Ox

[uriel]

i say it as i was taught: ka deh na and fu ten ma.

[Muku]

i say it as i was taught: ka deh na and fu ten ma.

.....be this as it may; fu-te-n-ma:)

[uriel]

potato and potato? that's what i said...

[Muku]

i say it as i was taught: ka deh na and fu ten ma.

I hope you get your money back then....

potato and potato? that's what i said...


Big difference....芋 or ジャガイモ:smile4:

[Fire4Effect]

I arrived in Okinawa after 4 years in Italy so I was forever calling Ginowan, Jinowan like an italian would

[uriel]

I hope you get your money back then....


take a look at the kanji. ten is in the middle. fu te n ma. what are you saying? ka deh na. seems simple enough.

why should i get my money back? i'm sure she's a little more local than you.

[Muku]

take a look at the kanji. ten is in the middle. fu te n ma. what are you saying? ka deh na. seems simple enough.

why should i get my money back? i'm sure she's a little more local than you.

Do you realize what you just wrote here?

Compared to what you wrote before?


Originally Posted by uriel
i say it as i was taught: ka deh na and fu ten ma.

Your mistake, not mine, there is no TEN syllable in Japanese, the te and n are separate.

Oh and this is the kanji for 普 fu 天 te-n 間 ma, notice 天　is pronounced te-n
not ten.

[Richard Burns]

I'm surprised this is such a big thing. If your are talking about the town, name, or speaking Japanese than it's Ka deh na. If you're talking about the base it's Kadeena.

[Richard Burns]

As far as ppl that say futeema, that makes no sense to me and sounds asinine. When I first got here and read the sign I read it as Futema. (e) as it would sound in the word egg.

[Jazz]

I wouldn't touch this thread AGAIN with your $%@! and Muku pushing!

[Muku]

I wouldn't touch this thread AGAIN with your $%@! and Muku pushing!
WTF problem is there pointing out in a democratic manner, notice I didnt come out here and just say yo dude your shit is wrong:rolleyes::D or anything like that.

If you notice I pointed out the mistake, and yes it is a mistake no matter how much anyone wants to admit it or otherwise, by only making the comment.

....be this as it may; fu-te-n-ma


If people want to accept mediocrity and mistakes that's their choice.:D

[Jrocka83]

Edit: move to funny pics.

[uriel]

Do you realize what you just wrote here?

Compared to what you wrote before?




Your mistake, not mine, there is no TEN syllable in Japanese, the te and n are separate.

Oh and this is the kanji for 普 fu 天 te-n 間 ma, notice 天　is pronounced te-n
not ten.

for god's sakes man. yes, you are right. god damn anyone who thinks they are right when they go against you. you argue for the sake of it. YES, OKAY, IT IS TE N jesustittyfu****gchrist.

[Muku]

for god's sakes man. yes, you are right. god damn anyone who thinks they are right when they go against you. you argue for the sake of it. YES, OKAY, IT IS TE N jesustittyfu****gchrist.

http://stickandballguy.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/roflmfao.jpg

Better calm down or you are going to need these.....

http://www.instablogsimages.com/images/2007/12/06/heartattack_7949.jpg

you argue for the sake of it.

Hmm funny, giving someone accurate information that they dont want to accept.

Arguing.....hmmm:rolleyes: You are arguing with yourself dude, not me.

[Richard Burns]

http://stickandballguy.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/roflmfao.jpg

Better calm down or you are going to need these.....

http://www.instablogsimages.com/images/2007/12/06/heartattack_7949.jpg



Hmm funny, giving someone accurate information that they dont want to accept.

Arguing.....hmmm:rolleyes:




:thumbup:ClassiK:thumbup:Pure ClassiK:thumbup:

[uriel]

Hmm funny, giving someone accurate information that they dont want to accept.

Arguing.....hmmm:rolleyes: You are arguing with yourself dude, not me.

dude, instead of acting like an ass as you are so accustomed to doing, a simple "it's two syllables" would've worked. again, you act like a dick to show just how much more you know about japan, sorry, okinawa, than everyone else.

[Blues]

First: :w00t: :w00t: :w00t:

Now,

Whenever anybody speaks Japanese words with an American accent, the only time I really need to double check them is when they are giving directions. I'd hate to get lost because someone botched a vowel or two...

[Muku]

dude, instead of acting like an ass as you are so accustomed to doing, a simple "it's two syllables" would've worked. again, you act like a dick to show just how much more you know about japan, sorry, okinawa, than everyone else.

Acting like an ass:scratchchin:....took a look in the mirror.

Need I remind you what my reply was in the first place.

Justify yourself however you choose, doesnt bother me at all.

Also just remember this, I never said how much I know about anything or how much I know anymore than anyone else. about Japan or Okinawa, your assumption.

One other thing in case you missed it as well.....this is the Language Corner fora which is for an open discussion on language, and the language this time is Japanese.

Not Rants and Raves, nor the Trenches keep that in mind too.:D

[Muku]

First: :w00t: :w00t: :w00t:

Now,
Whenever anybody speaks Japanese words with an American accent, the only time I really need to double check them is when they are giving directions. I'd hate to get lost because someone botched a vowel or two...

Good advice! :thumbup1:

[uriel]

Also just remember this, I never said how much I know about anything or how much I know anymore than anyone else. about Japan or Okinawa, your assumption.

you don't need to come out and say it. it bleeds through with many of the replies of yours to myself and others. that's the same argument when people say they don't think their better than you because they've never came out and said it. whatever. you're great at the language. congratulations.

[dk]

Nobody cares. Call it whatever you want. As someone mentioned before in the thread, Ka-deeeee-na is the airbase, Ka-de-na is the town. Muku can't seem to grasp that. It's been called Ka-deeeeeeeeeeee-na for as long as I can remember, and the locals, for the most part, don't have access, so be it. Let them call it whatever the **** they want.

Now, don't go calling Chatan Chaytayun or some shit.

[Muku]

Nobody cares. Call it whatever you want. As someone mentioned before in the thread, Ka-deeeee-na is the airbase, Ka-de-na is the town. Muku can't seem to grasp that.It's been called Ka-deeeeeeeeeeee-na for as long as I can remember, and the locals, for the most part, don't have access, so be it. Let them call it whatever the **** they want.

Now, don't go calling Chatan Chaytayun or some shit.

DK the recent discussion was about Futenma, not Kadena, and btw what you can't seem to grasp, using your words here, not my choice btw, is that both have been called what they have hell yes a lot longer than you, me, or anyone else for that matter, by about 500 years or more.

Both Kadena AB and MCAS Futenma were named for the area/village that they were in.

Like I wrote earlier, if people want to accept mediocrity and mistakes as a daily part of their lives........more power to them. And to those that knowingly do the same just to appease the people around them.....more power to them too. There comes a time where it becomes a personal choice, to follow along like a lemming or do it the right or correct way. I guess there are more lemmings here than I thought.:scratchchin:

But I think not.

I also seem to recall, and maybe someone new here could confirm or deny this, but even during the new-comers briefs on base the bases are named or called using the correct Japanese pronunciation.


posted by Uriel
you don't need to come out and say it. it bleeds through with many of the replies of yours to myself and others. that's the same argument when people say they don't think their better than you because they've never came out and said it. whatever. you're great at the language. congratulations

And you know what, this is the type of reply from people who dont want to let sleeping dogs lie.:rolleyes:

[DoctorP]

if you are like this on the net i wonder how you are in person.... JEEEZUUUSSSSS



Close....he spells it GOD! :D:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Muku]

seriously though Muku... you care a little bit too much about little shit like this...

how do you have the audacity to call anyone out for living a mediocre life and existence just because they dont heed your advice and wisdom with respect to pronouncing words or any of the other littany of little things you get so worked up about...

it honestly seems to me that anyone who spends so much time on an internet forum "correcting" everyone else is leading the mediocre life and accepting mediocrity..


I never made the leap of judgement nor logic that because someone accepts mediocrity in their use of language was a view on how they lived their lives.

Again you made that assumption and are attempting to put words into my mouth, I wouldnt do that to you, please do me the same favor.

Remember that accepting medocrity in one's life or by making or accepting mistakes when they have been told otherwise that they are wrong or misunderstood is a HELL of a lot different than telling someone the audacity to call anyone out for living a mediocre life and existence

I guess you missed the difference

Personally I think that you dont give a shit, yet you sure take enough time here bitching about someone, me, who takes the time to help.

And what do you suggest? Let people think they are right when they are wrong? Ok bad analogy here but I suppose you believe that 9/11 happened right?

You think it's petty, but it is a systematic problem that extends to the rest of the language. There are plenty of people that don't know the right way to say it but try their damndest to learn, and it is to those that I hope will read this and learn that there is a right way to pronounce Japanese. I fear however that the nuance is lost on you.

if you are like this on the net i wonder how you are in person.... JEEEZUUUSSSSS
Keep this in mind when someone you work with or you meet tells you something incorrect and you try to correct them and they pitch a fit like a two year old because someone, you, tried to inform them that they were wrong.

seriously though Muku... you care a little bit too much about little shit like this...
And might I add that you come across to me as caring a little bit too much about trying to point this out as well.

I take it you strive for perfection or to do the best you can in what you do?

[Muku]

LMAO.......

ok Muku... .really i think it is funny... you devote FAR more time to "enlightening" everyone than i spend pointing it out... hell many others point it out to you as well...

it is more funny than anything else that you feel so strongly....

to know that if someone is sitting in a room on okinawa all by theirself saying kadeena kadeeena bothers you is hilarious....

IMO the parellel between you and your nitpicking and the realities of mine and many others occupations when correcting something are worlds apart..

in my profession.. if i inform someone something is not right.. it is most likely something that will save theirs or someone elses life... or imjury to say the least.. not to mention govt facilities, equipment and money...

you... you just correct everyone to do it.. cause you feel like you "know" everything you just "must" correct them.... i personally think it is more of a complex... superiority or inferiority it is a complex one and the same...

i can understand "helping" out those who are actively trying to master the language here and such.. but in reality most "Americans" here are not doing so... so knowing that what is the point in being so adamant about how things are done, or pronounced in Okinawa...

its ridiculous.. that is about as dumb as someone coming to Jersey where i am from and calling a Hoagie a Submarine or something.. and i just have to keep pointing out thats its called a Hoagie up here... its just plain stupid.. everyone pronounces shit different.. PERIOD..

If anyone is laughing it's me, but I am fairly certain you dont know why now do you.:scratchchin::D

You disappoint me with your generalizations, I figured you were better than that.

in my profession.. if i inform someone something is not right.. it is most likely something that will save theirs or someone elses life... or imjury to say the least.. not to mention govt facilities, equipment and money...
Justify it however you want, but you missed the point, it isnt about money or things at all but you dont see that do you.

Oh well...do as you please, as I will as well.:D

[gtlm2000]

嘉手納= かでな=Kadena

[Trail]

納

For Kadena I always remember this particular kana since the since last half of it looks like a plane landing on a runway.

[gtlm2000]

For Kadena I always remember this particular kana since the since last half of it looks like a plane landing on a runway.

Onna-son = 恩納村 uses same kanji.

[Muku]

For Kadena I always remember this particular kana since the since last half of it looks like a plane landing on a runway.

:thumbup: Recognizing and remember kanji is one of the hardest things to do in learning Japanese.

If you stay here long enough I would venture to say that seeing the same kanji over and over along with their romaji (English) equivalent, particularly on road and streets signs, will help you recognize them in other places as well.

One big one is family names, many areas or districts here also have family names associated with them as well. It doesnt necessarily mean that all the people with that name came from that area but it does assist in recognition.

[Blues]

One point I would like to bring up is that romanization is a crutch that I hate to see people using because it further instigates the bad habits of the american accent. An example is of some members on the board spell names even incorrectly in romaji. It took me a while to find "manga shouko" on google maps because no one here had the correct spelling.

Now I don't feel bad at all when I pronounce AND type things properly... And if anyone disagrees with that, then guess what, don't bother trying to tell me I'm wrong if you're too ignorant to learn 5 simple vowels. :rolleyes: I won't acknowledge you anyway. :D

[commando]

Nobody cares. Call it whatever you want. As someone mentioned before in the thread, Ka-deeeee-na is the airbase, Ka-de-na is the town. Muku can't seem to grasp that. It's been called Ka-deeeeeeeeeeee-na for as long as I can remember, and the locals, for the most part, don't have access, so be it. Let them call it whatever the **** they want.

Now, don't go calling Chatan Chaytayun or some shit.

That's fair enough. I recall some Japanese guests from the mainland having trouble with the readings of place names in Okinawa. Reading Chatan(son) as Kitadanicho/Kitadanimachi, and so on. Depending on where you are from, you'll have different pronunciation issues. That's life.

[Jazz]

I know I said I wouldn't ever touch this ridiculous thread again but I was just watching a preview of Ninja Gaiden2 yesterday, and since I grew up calling it "gaydun" not "guyden" it surprised me when I heard the proper pronunciation even though I'm now well aware that it should now be guyden and would automatically pronounce it that way if I'd never seen it before recently........

[Trail]

I always pronounced it "Guyden." Tomatoes, tomAtoes

[Jazz]

potatoes potAtoes

[Muku]

potatoes potAtoes

The last thing I intend to say on this topic is this.......

There is the right way to say it and then the American way, take your pick.:)

[P_chan]

The last thing I intend to say on this topic is this.......

There is the right way to say it and then the American way, take your pick.:)

But of course both ways are correct in my book. I like to say it the "japanese" way becuase that's just me. But the american way of saying it is basically just saying it with an american accent IMO.

Much like the way my wife use to pronounce "salad" and "raw liver" (sarad and row river)

[dk]

No P_chan. You are indeed wrong.

[DougP]

LMAO row river :w00t:

[P_chan]

LMAO row river :w00t:


LOL that's my favorite one:thumbup:

[Muku]

But of course both ways are correct in my book. I like to say it the "japanese" way becuase that's just me. But the american way of saying it is basically just saying it with an american accent IMO.

Much like the way my wife use to pronounce "salad" and "raw liver" (sarad and row river)
You know what if someone here were to start a thread about the mispronunciations that Japanese make in hatcheting English I would be first in line to agree as well.

My wife often has the habit of saying he for she and vice versa, along with eye-shit for me cuso, the buildup of crap that one sometimes gets in their eyes waking up in the morning having a cold.:grin1:

[Muku]

No P_chan. You are indeed wrong.

No actually P Chan isn't wrong....it's his wife.

[Crazysix]

my favorite is Japanese saying penisbutter.............kinda funny when they ask what isle is the penisbutter on

[Jazz]

my favorite is Japanese saying penisbutter.............kinda funny when they ask what isle is the penisbutter on

LMWAO!!! My wife gets me everytime with this one!

[P_chan]

No actually P Chan isn't wrong....it's his wife.

How is my wife wrong? She pronounces kadena just like any other nihon-jin would?:confused:

[Muku]

How is my wife wrong? She pronounces kadena just like any other nihon-jin would?:confused:

Sorry about that, I was referring to the much like the way my wife use to pronounce "salad" and "raw liver" (sarad and row river) comment you made, and I thought that is what DK was referring too as well.

My mistake....

[dk]

No, I was actually mimicking Muku, because you said BOTH are correct in your book, but your book is wrong. I'm surprised someone as sharp as Muku didn't catch that.

[P_chan]

Sorry about that, I was referring to the much like the way my wife use to pronounce "salad" and "raw liver" (sarad and row river) comment you made, and I thought that is what DK was referring too as well.

My mistake....

True and she learned to correct herself but IMO she wasn't mispronouncing it in the first place, just with an accent.

[dk]

No PJ. You are wrong. Muku says so.

[Jazz]

On tha real tip! Uh, I have nothing to say just bored and posting for S&G

[P_chan]

just like most of us Americans here pronounce Kadena with an American accident..

Exactly, that's how I see it. I'll try to pronounce it the way a Japanese person would because my wife makes an effort to pronounce english words the way an American would. But as for pronouncing it the "american" way, I don't see anything wrong with it.

[Muku]

True and she learned to correct herself but IMO she wasn't mispronouncing it in the first place, just with an accent.

P I hope you don’t misunderstand this post…….

I don't know if you realize it here yet you acknowledge that she was pronouncing it wrong and then learned the right way to say it.

More power to her:thumbup: Seriously she took the effort to correct her English and learn to say it the proper way. She was incorrect though. So it doesn’t make that big of a deal, yet she recognized her mistakes and has made an effort to speak English the American way. Thumbs up to her.

You know, I have been saying all along here that knowing the right way and intentionally saying it the wrong way is condescending and demeaning to not only one's self but the listener as well.

How many times have you experienced American's on the base, complain about the bad English that the Japanese workers use? In the reverse how many times have you actually heard a Japanese person ever complain or comment negatively about a foreigner when they speak Japanese? (Rhetorical questions there P if you want)

It’s a matter of choice that’s all. Yet also keep this in mind as well, not everyone is going to automatically understand what the American's are trying to say either, it is wrong to make that assumption as well.

[dk]

Exactly, that's how I see it. I'll try to pronounce it the way a Japanese person would because my wife makes an effort to pronounce english words the way an American would. But as for pronouncing it the "american" way, I don't see anything wrong with it.
Sorry P_chan. That is condescending and you should be ashamed of yourself.

[TheLastDon]

Someone tell me why this thread is still going?

DK? I guess we need that thread after all.

[Muku]

Sorry P_chan. That is condescending and you should be ashamed of yourself.
Wrong dk. Don't go and twist what I wrote to create a point that doesnt exist.

Originally Posted by P_chan
Exactly, that's how I see it. I'll try to pronounce it the way a Japanese person would because my wife makes an effort to pronounce english words the way an American would.

You know, I have been saying all along here that knowing the right way and intentionally saying it the wrong way is condescending and demeaning to not only one's self but the listener as well.

To know how to do something right, but purposely do it wrong for what ever reason is like it or not condescending and demeaning.

Making an effort to correct or better one's self does not fit that category and you of all people should know that.:cool:

[dk]

Oh blah blah blah. I missed the first sentence of his post.

P_chan, you need to be more critical and correct people when they say Ka-deeeeee-nah rather than being tolerant of such behavior. If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

So, P_chan, you say, "Kah De Nah" to all of your friends, coworkers, etc? All of them? Even the American ones? If so, good on ya. I'm just surprised. Never known an American to do that.

[dk]

Someone tell me why this thread is still going?

DK? I guess we need that thread after all.
Because future generations NEED to know the right way to say Ka-deeeeee-nah.

[P_chan]

So, P_chan, you say, "Kah De Nah" to all of your friends, coworkers, etc? All of them? Even the American ones? If so, good on ya. I'm just surprised. Never known an American to do that.

I try to, but sometimes it slips because I was originally taught the american way to say it. Sometimes I correct myself but usually, since I'm referring to the base, I don't correct myself.

[dk]

Please be careful with how you say the word Kadena around new arrivals as you may spread misinformation on the proper pronounciation of such an important word. Thank you. That is all.

[dk]

Sometimes I correct myself but usually, since I'm referring to the base, I don't correct myself.
Well shame on you. That's condescending and disrespectful. You know better than that.

[TheLastDon]

DK? are you a postwhore today?:)

[dk]

He's going to sound like an a**hole if he's the only one on base correcting himself or other people on the appropriate way to say Kadena, lol.

[dk]

DK? are you a postwhore today?:)
Dangit, lunch break is over....

Trying not to swear on a work computer. lol.

[dk]

KACHOW!!!!!!

see... someone see's my point of view.. LMAO:first:
Yeah, too bad it's WRONG though! :mir31:

[Jazz]

LMWAO! DK always comes out and says what I'm thinking but don't feel like posting cause I think it might be a waste of my prescious food porn posting time. Turns out it would be worth it, cause I'm LOL! Thanks DK!

[TheLastDon]

KACHOW!!!!!!

see... someone see's my point of view.. LMAO:first:

Dude, it's KAKOW! :D:D

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Kakow

Get it right, I am joking with you. :)

[DougP]

Dude, it's KAKOW! :D:D

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Kakow

Get it right, I am joking with you. :)

KAKOW!!!
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2006/10/14/arts/14stew_CA0.650.jpg

[Muku]

so how exactly does someone forming their mouth to pronounce something in a way that doesnt sound right (to them) or roll nicely off (their) tongue help that someone better theirself?


You are concentrating upon one part and not the entire picture. It's not about one word or two words in particular PJ.

My comments are about, which people here are twisting around to suit whatever purpose they choose, knowing the difference or not.

[dk]

Actually, it's about pronouncing the base Kadehnah or Kadeeeeeeenah.

[dk]

LMWAO! DK always comes out and says what I'm thinking but don't feel like posting cause I think it might be a waste of my prescious food porn posting time. Turns out it would be worth it, cause I'm LOL! Thanks DK!
How do you think I ended up with four times as many posts as you? :thumbup:

[Blues]

Because I can:

あいうえお
かきくけこ
さしすせそ
たちつてと
はひふへほ
まみむめも
やゆよ
らりるれろ
わを
ん

So easy, a 5 year-old could do it...