Pronunciation of Chattan?

[ThistleDown]

Rex,

The lesson in Gaelic pronunciation is hugely appreciated! After my first year living in Brazil, it finally dawned on me that the key to learning proper pronunciation in Portuguese (and any language) is to learn what is happening where you can't see (e.g., the throat, mouth, tongue). Sadly, I'd already formed plenty of bad habits that I didn't overcome in the other year I spent there, and I still sound like a foreigner when I speak.

Your description was perfect and is something I'll work on.

Thank you, once again.

- Brian

I don't have the Gaelic, Brian, so that wasn't a language lesson. It is, however, how we pronounce Chattan here in Clanchattan country. As you might expect we think we know best how to say our own name, but we are fairly tolerant of those who can't get their throat and tongue around it. If they leave shattan and chatton and kattin over by we'll accept even hattun.

Rex

[Cygnus]

I don't have the Gaelic, Brian, so that wasn't a language lesson. It is, however, how we pronounce Chattan here in Clanchattan country. As you might expect we think we know best how to say our own name, but we are fairly tolerant of those who can't get their throat and tongue around it. If they leave shattan and chatton and kattin over by we'll accept even hattun.

Rex

I see - sorry for the confusion!

Still, I don't think I've ever made that particular sound before, so it may as well be Greek to me!

Thanks again!

[creagdhubh]

I don't have the Gaelic, Brian, so that wasn't a language lesson. It is, however, how we pronounce Chattan here in Clanchattan country. As you might expect we think we know best how to say our own name, but we are fairly tolerant of those who can't get their throat and tongue around it. If they leave shattan and chatton and kattin over by we'll accept even hattun.

Rex

Aye, but not all pronounce Chattan exactly as you have so eloquently and correctly described, Rex. I heard Cluny say Chattan a number of times whilst in Badenoch earlier this month, and like many times before, he says hattan, with the "c" being silent. I do suppose that who ever is reciting the name, its final sound often depends on their own accent-I think this is especially true with native Scots, of which many have different accents depending on varying factors such as where they were educated, occupation (as in Cluny's case, being a retired High Court Judge in London) region, military experience perhaps, their family, etc.

The name Chattan also derives from one man, Gilliechattan mor, the progenitor of the Clann Mhuirich. Thanks for the lesson Rex, well done mate!



Na bean do'n chat,

[piperdbh]

I was told once to never tell someone else how to say or spell his/her own name. As an educator, I've seen some very "creative" spellings.

I always assumed Chattan sounded like Chattanooga without the ooga. You learn something new every day!

[creagdhubh]

I was told once to never tell someone else how to say or spell his/her own name. As an educator, I've seen some very "creative" spellings.

I always assumed Chattan sounded like Chattanooga without the ooga. You learn something new every day!

Quite right mate! However, there is indeed a correct Scottish Gaelic pronunciation of the name Chattan, which I believe is what Rex was conveying.

Aye,

[ThistleDown]

Quite right mate! However, there is indeed a correct Scottish Gaelic pronunciation of the name Chattan, which I believe is what Rex was conveying.

Aye,

No, not quite, Kyle. What I said was that in Badenoch, Strathdearn and Strathnairn. the homelands of the Clanchattan, we pronounce it "khakh-tun" in the 21C. I'm not a Gaelic speaker and Gaelic has long ceased to be the language of the Central Highlands.

In another post to this thread: you are correct, Cluny pronounces it "hatton". I sit on the same Council of the Clanchattan. You may want to make note that The Mackintosh -- and others -- pronounce it "hatton", too All of us seek the easy road when we can.

Did you say that you were in Newtonmore earlier this month?

[creagdhubh]

No, not quite, Kyle. What I said was that in Badenoch, Strathdearn and Strathnairn. the homelands of the Clanchattan, we pronounce it "khakh-tun" in the 21C. I'm not a Gaelic speaker and Gaelic has long ceased to be the language of the Central Highlands.

In another post to this thread: you are correct, Cluny pronounces it "hatton". I sit on the same Council of the Clanchattan. You may want to make note that The Mackintosh -- and others -- pronounce it "hatton", too All of us seek the easy road when we can.

Did you say that you were in Newtonmore earlier this month?

I understand Rex, apologies mate. Yes, I was in Newtonmore, Kingussie, and Laggan for the Macpherson gathering and rally the first weekend of August. I then went south to Blairgowrie the Wednesday after the gathering for an informal luncheon at Cluny's residence, Newton Castle. I finished the rather brief trip (this time around-much to my chagrin and dismay) in Edinburgh-visiting relatives, friends, and attending the military tattoo/fringe events. Wish we could have met up and had a proper nip, not completely sure how you were doing, health-wise, and I did not want to intrude by asking. I'll be back next July, for about 3-4 weeks, much longer stay in 2011.

Cheers,