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Re: Same name, different pronunciations (discussion)
I described a scenario in April wherein I mentioned my name at the dinner-table of a fund raiser--and the newcomer / couple didn't react well to my formal name -so I purported a look of disgust & stated - fine (as though with a sigh - and stated) 'Bob' or 'Bobbie" (I can't quite remember which alternative form I offered) will be fine. I mentioned in a response on a recent "accents" post that my name would be pronounced "Bahwbreh" by native southern New Yorkers - and Baahbra by native Bostonians. In southern NY, many native speakers reveal little phonetic difference between Bobbie & Barbie. I mentioned last December that I received gifts at work with my name spelt as Bobbie, Bobby, Bobbi, Barbie, & Barbra: I generally try not to make a big deal about which form people use; I usually do not care - but for the referenced example above - I did. I am generally pleased when folks feel comfort to call me Barbie - even if I've introduced myself with my more formal name Barbra. Did you ever see the Seinfeld episode during which Jerry's Girlfriend's mother calls Jerry - Jerome? I've always found this to be hysterical. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe1ZdNCDPZg

This message was edited 7/15/2019, 5:31 PM

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