There was an interesting article in the Tribune today about locals' pronunciation of Chicago. I suppose I have to admit that I say "Chi-CAW-go." The author of the article, Casey Bukro, calls those who say "Chi-caaaa-go" linguistic carpetbaggers.

He/she (?) has some other complaints as well, such as the frequent use of "environment." I hadn't noticed, but I see the point. Similarly, the author dislikes "if you will," and I have to agree. It always seems so contrived.

I've never heard it pronounced "Chi-caaaa-go." I've only heard "Chi-CAW-go."

I've never heard the chi of the first syllable pronounced with a ch[/i /tʃ/ of [i]cheat, but with the sh, /ʃ/, of she.

It always seems so contrived.

All language is contrived. It's the nature of the beast.

Oh, it is pronounced with an "sh," that's right.

One does hear "Chi (really "shi")-caaaa-go" here, Tinman.

I can't tell what the difference would be between "aaaa" and "aww" - can you give word-use examples for me, please?

I've also heard shi-caw-ga, with the final syllable almost swallowed.

quote:

Originally posted by Caterwauller:
I can't tell what the difference would be between "aaaa" and "aww" - can you give word-use examples for me, please?

Do you pronounce "cot" and "caught" the same?

ChiKAHgo heahabouts

Yes, CW. Goofy has it. "aaaaa" isn't quite "ah," but closer to it than "awwww."

I really need to learn that IPA!

Goofy has it. "aaaaa" isn't quite "ah," but closer to it than "awwww."

Yes,there's a difference between dialects that maintain the caught-cot distinction and those that do not.