Welsh pronunciation properly explained

THE pronunciation of Welsh words was the subject of two recent letters published in the Western Mail.

The first concerned the mispronunciation of the name of Welsh rugby player Dewi Lake. The name Dewi has given the broadcasters problems before, and I tried to help them with the pronunciation. Doo-ee and Da-wee continue to be heard.

Now Alun is presenting a problem. When a Welsh international match was being discussed a former English international said Alun Wyn Jones’ name correctly, but the Welsh presenter got it wrong. The late Alun Williams would introduce himself to listeners saying that his name rhymed with gin. That guidance should be offered to those broadcasters who need help.

In another letter there was reference to the pronunciation of Pencoed and Nantymoel. Members of my family and others living around us always referred to Pencoed as Pencode and Nantymoel as Nantymole. My pronunciation of Pencoed has been questioned. I told one of my Welsh-speaking cousins of my pronunciation. My relative had a degree in Welsh and I wanted her opinion. She opened a Welsh hymn book and directed my attention to some of the hymns of William Williams Pantycelyn (1717-1791). It was clear from his verses that he would have pronounced Pencoed as Pencode. This was confirmed when I put the question to a university lecturer who had studied the works of the great hymn writer.

T’cu came from Llanelli and I doubt whether anyone in that town would refer to Felinfoel other than Felinfole. Mind you, the reference to Ystradgynlais by American soldiers as “Why strangle us” takes some beating.

Vivian Thomas Porthcawl