"How does one pronounce Tolkien?"

[Lalwendë]

Originally Posted by Galin

I haven't met any smug correctors (yet). The matter seems to come up in threads on the web often enough, but there people are usually wondering how the names are supposed to be said and heard (which implies they might like some help), or are outright asking about proper pronunciation. And I can also understand the desire (at least) for good pronunciation at conventions for example, or Tolkien-related events -- for guests speakers, for instance. But at conventions or social events, one is probably not reading the book, especially aloud, in any case.

My cat used to react everytime I said Túna. He must have approved of my pronunciation

Oh yes, if you go to Oxonmoot you have to watch more than your Ps and Qs, you also have to watch your Cs and Ks

Mind it was funny to see the signs around Somerville College that said "Tolkein Convention" all altered in angry writing to "TOLKIEN!" - you could almost hear the person who had corrected them tutting