NameHacks: Part Two
For those unfamiliar with Asian languages, these names are extremely difficult to pronounce. But there are always a few tricks to get started on pronouncing names right. Check out these "hacks" we've put together, and have a look at the infographic below: armed with our knowledge and a little practice, you'll soon be pronouncing Asian names like a pro.
MANDARIN: Mind Your "X's" and "Q's!"
In Mandarin, the letters "X" is not pronounced as a "Z" as English speakers assume. The letter sounds closer to a SH sound. Additionally, instead of pronouncing "Q" as "K," the letter would actually sound more like CH. Some of examples of "X" are names like Xia and Xue; for "Q," look at Qiang.
JAPANESE: "R" is a Mixed Bag.
The Japanese "R" is a sound made by quickly tapping the tip of your tongue on the alveolar ridge (which you use for letters like "T" or "L" in English). It sounds somewhere between an "R" and an "L." Compare Ririkah to Ruiri and you'll see what we mean.
KOREAN: Give Up Your "K!"
In Korean, the "K" sound is pronounced almost always like a hard "G". Think "give," not the softer "G" in "Geoff". For some solid examples, look at the names Kim and Kang.
Download a PDF version with clickable links here!
Now that you've checked out these tips, you'll be able to pronounce names from Asian languages like a pro. Get to work improving that #CX, and you'll see that your clients are excited to do business with you.
Main Image Source: Photo by Kelsey Chance on Unsplash
