Roger and all --
So how about "that Alane," to whom Spenser refers somewhat cryptically in the Mutability Cantos? The spelling "de Lille" suggests a different pronunciation -- but of course that spelling may not have been current in Tudor times, or even earlier.
Jon Q.
-------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Roger Kuin <[log in to unmask]>
>
> L'Isle is pronounced 'lisle' as in 'lisle stockings'. (Or 'Lyle' as
> in 'Tate and Lyle'.)
>
> Languet is pronounced 'Long-gay' for non-French-speakers, but with
> the accent on the second, not the first, syllable, and with the 'gay'
> much shorter than English gaiety: more like 'get' without the 't'.
>
> Cheers,
> Roger Kuin
>
>
>
>
> On 25-Sep-07, at 11:12 PM, Arlen Nydam wrote:
>
> > Dear list members,
> >
> > Is there a single accepted and proper way to pronounce these names?
> >
> > I understand that L'Isle, at least in its "Lisle Letters" form,
> > rhymes with aisle. But wonder whether it ever rhymes with "eel."
> >
> > I've heard four or five different pronunciations of Languet,
> > ranging from Long-gay to Lank-it.
> >
> > Many thanks,
> > Arlen Nydam
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