Originally Posted by ashley_ (Post 3891720)

*mumble*mumble* yorkie. :) [I'm not sure if Somi is actually a Biewer or a Parti]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly (Post 3892399)

Before joining YT last year, I never knew of them and seeing the word, would have thought it pronounced "Bee were" or if German, perhaps "Bee ver". My sound isn't loud enough to tell what the woman keeps saying over & over - is it "Biva" - sounds like that but I just can't make that vid sound any louder. She sure says it a lot, whatever she is saying. :)

Originally Posted by navillusc (Post 3889813)

"Shinja" just sounds so pretty...I love it! :) I do think the Japanese language sounds so lovely spoken. We are actually going to a Japanese Sushi & Steakhouse for Sushi (dinner) in a couple hours. There is an older lady there that we call "Grandma" who we just adore...we get/give hugs...they know us well there...lol Well, Grandma used to be a Geisha!!! She sits with us when it's not busy and tells us stories from her time as a Geisha. It is a real honor to be a Geisha!

I'm Native American (3 Nations) and English, mostly, with some "Scotch, Irish, and Go-devil" according to may grandfather. :p My maiden name was Hawkins...it doesn't get much more English than that!...lol...and have/had both Italian and Irish last names also. I have no problem with someone not understanding 'how' to say a name...but if it's a name you are likely to use with any frequency, I think it is polite and thoughtful to try to get close on the pronunciation. Some people, due to their heritage...where they were raised, their native language, etc., have a difficult time wrapping their tongues around the sounds made by letters in foreign (to them) languages. I am no exception...lol! I did learn, though, if I don't think I can say it, I just ask..."How do you say your name?" Most people are not insulted and will just say it for you. I always took it to another level, inquiring where the name originates...partly because I am really curous that way. :D

Originally Posted by sugarmamma (Post 3892420)

She is saying "Biva like Diva" along with something that sounds like "Bi- Viar" sometimes as well :D

Originally Posted by Lil Sis (Post 3892451)

Thanks! Now I like my name but it was a trial growing up in the south. Of course my maiden name did not help. I was called Ginger quite often! The name means believer.

I do try with names..most people are ok if you try.

Originally Posted by sugarmamma (Post 3892503)

I mispronounce things almost as often as you do :) but your name just looks like it sounds to me. In other words, its pretty phonetic. Maybe it's a case of people not being bothered to try????

I have the same problem with my married name. People always pronounce the "e" EA and drop the "g" which makes a whole different word :eek:

Originally Posted by concretegurl (Post 3891747)

OMY!

I forgot until I was checking FB tonight...

we have a friend who's name is pronounced "foo-key"

it is spelled however Fuki.

Originally Posted by navillusc (Post 3889813)

"Shinja" just sounds so pretty...I love it! :) I do think the Japanese language sounds so lovely spoken. We are actually going to a Japanese Sushi & Steakhouse for Sushi (dinner) in a couple hours. There is an older lady there that we call "Grandma" who we just adore...we get/give hugs...they know us well there...lol Well, Grandma used to be a Geisha!!! She sits with us when it's not busy and tells us stories from her time as a Geisha. It is a real honor to be a Geisha!

I'm Native American (3 Nations) and English, mostly, with some "Scotch, Irish, and Go-devil" according to may grandfather. :p My maiden name was Hawkins...it doesn't get much more English than that!...lol...and have/had both Italian and Irish last names also. I have no problem with someone not understanding 'how' to say a name...but if it's a name you are likely to use with any frequency, I think it is polite and thoughtful to try to get close on the pronunciation. Some people, due to their heritage...where they were raised, their native language, etc., have a difficult time wrapping their tongues around the sounds made by letters in foreign (to them) languages. I am no exception...lol! I did learn, though, if I don't think I can say it, I just ask..."How do you say your name?" Most people are not insulted and will just say it for you. I always took it to another level, inquiring where the name originates...partly because I am really curous that way. :D

Originally Posted by navillusc (Post 3888075)

I'd say 'no' since it's a German name and in Germany, "w" is pronounced like "v" is in the USA. Tricky, I know, 'cuz no one (except many German class :p) teaches us how Germany (or any other country) pronounces all the vowels and consonants. :D

Originally Posted by capt_noonie (Post 3892760)

But isn't that how Fuki is normally pronounced? How else would you say it?