Do you pronounce the first syllable of <I>simultaneous</I> with a long <I>i</I> as in <I>time</I>, or with a short <I>i</I> as in <I>Tim</I>?<BR><BR>I heard the latter from a Beeb announcer today, and it sounded odd to my ear. It it uniquely British, and if so is in generalized or rather limited to particular British accent(s)?Long i, and I'm British (or other Commonwealth)Short i, and I'm British, etc.Long i, and I'm USShort i, and I'm Us

Interesting. I haven't heard it with the short "i." I wonder if those who use the short "i" also say "simulcast" with a short "i."

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wonder if those who use the short "i" also say "simulcast" with a short "i."

Yes, assuming we were to use such a word in the first place.

To us lot over here the US pronunciation of missile as "missil" (with two short 'i's) sounds odd, because to us the 'e' is at the end taken to mean the pronunciation should be missile- first 'i' short, last 'i' long (as in pile).

I've heard simultaneous with a short "i", and "missile" with a short, and then a long . . . but both sound affected to me - as if the people using them are trying to sound British or something.

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but both sound affected to me - as if the people using them are trying to sound British or something.

As would the reverse to us; it would seem as if the speaker were trying to sound American.

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To us lot over here the US pronunciation of missile as "missil" (with two short 'i's) sounds odd, because to us the 'e' is at the end taken to mean the pronunciation should be missile- first 'i' short, last 'i' long (as in pile).

Oh, yes, because you in England are rational about your proununciations. How do you say idea again? And then Worcester?

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Oh, yes, because you in England are rational about your proununciations. How do you say idea again? And then Worcester? Wink

The way we pronounce Worcester seems fine to me - as is the way we pronounce Cholmondley and Belvoir.

Here’s a list of a few English towns and villages whose names and local pronunciation don’t quite correspond in the way you would expect. There are many more. I am sure there must be similar examples in other countries.
(Pronunciation in italics)
Alnwick (Northumblerand)
Anick
Beaconsfield
Bekonsfield
Belvoir
Beever
Bicester
Bister
Blidworth (Nottinghamshire)
Blidduth
Kilnwick
Killick
Leominster
Lemster
Mildenhall (Wilthsire)
Minal (to rhyme with spinal)
Ruislip
Ryeslip
Slaithwaite
Slawit (short 'a')

You missed my favourite.

Featherstonehaugh
Fanshaw

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The way we pronounce Worcester seems fine to me

Actually, Richard, I was referring to the "er" on "Worcester." I just think it funny that the British (and eastcoast people here) add and "er" at the end of "a" words (like "idea"), but take it away after "er" words (like "Worcester.")

Those are great, Pearce and Bob!

How about Cowbit in Lincs. Pronounced Cubbit.

I have heard "simultaneous" with a short "i" and "missile" with a long "i" while visiting in the UK, while watching British programs on American TV, etc. It's just their accent, not an affectation.

Wordmatic

When I listen to NPR's BBC reports, I hear about 100 possibilities for new posts. The pronunciation differences are amazing. I just love to listen to them.