[Dixielandjazz] when lyrics don't rhymez

[PHIL WILKING]

"Do You Know What It Means ..." was not written by a native of the city. 
Natives have several pronunciations, depending on their home neighborhoods, 
but none of them is "New Or-LEEns." You might hear "New Awlins" or "New 
Orlins" or "New Orl-yans" or "Nyawlins" or even "Nawlins" from a native, but 
not the long "E" sound and the emphasis on the last syllable.

On the other hand, when speaking of the Parish (the political subdivision 
just below State level), it IS pronounced "Or-LEEns Parish."

No one gives either city or Parish the French pronunciation, go figure.

Phil Wilking

Those who would exchange freedom for
security deserve neither freedom nor security.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dick Sleeman" <dick at sleeman.nl>


> Here in the low countries (where I live - actually 2.5 meter under
> sea-level) I have often wondered how to pronounce certain words. The one
> that comes to mind at 6am :-) is the place where it all began: New 
> Orleans.
> I hear most americans while speaking emphasize the "O"; but then it 
> doesn't
> rhyme to "Do you know what it means...), so apparently both pronunciations
> are correct?
>