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Re: Is it NeanderTHals or NeanderTals??
Jon. Feinstein (jfeinstein@umassd.edu)
Sat, 3 Dec 1994 05:13:13 GMT
In article <D05B20.qBH@bocanews.bocaraton.ibm.com>, michaelb@hobbie.bocaraton.ibm.com (Michael Rogero Brown (Sys Admin)) writes:
>Ok, I have a question that's been bugging me recently:
>
>What is the correct name for the Neanderthals?
>
>Is it Neanderthals or Neandertals?
> ^^ ^
>
>I grew up with the term 'Neanderthal', but lately I seen and heard
>'Neandertal' alot. Is the 'tal' version more correct or is it that some
>just perfer it over 'thal'? [personally I can't stand the term 'Neandertal',
>everytime I hear it it just grates on me]
>
>Well, which is it?
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but it is spelled Neanderthal, but
pronounced Neandertal. The reason is very simple, the name is either German
or one of the Eastern European languages, and unlike English, that
language doesn't pronounce the soft "th" or theta sound. It comes out more
like a cross between a "t" and a "d." Perhaps the pronunciation is more an
affectation than anything else, but it's pretty common nevertheless.
Peace,
Jon.
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JFeinstein@umassd.edu
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Immortality is something you need to grow into.
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