[Ads-l] [Non-DoD Source] Re: Is There a Scow in Moscow?

[MULLINS, WILLIAM D (Bill) CIV USARMY RDECOM AMRDEC (US)]

I believe that Moscow, TN is pronounced mos-koh.

> 
> I’ve always used /au/ myself, but have probably heard the /o/ version without noticing.  I was told in no uncertain terms during a visit to the
> Palouse that was I not to pronounce the home of the University of Idaho /maskau/, only as /masko/ (as in Bosco).  I assumed that was in
> part to make it clear that they’re not Commies (or post-Commies) up there.
> 
> LH
> 
> > On Dec 30, 2016, at 12:43 PM, Baker, John <JBAKER at STRADLEY.COM> wrote:
> >
> > I heard someone on NPR this morning pronounce the name of the Russian capital with the final vowel sound heard in scow, cow, and
> brow.  I usually pronounce it with the final vowel sound heard in low, snow, and tow.  Resorting to the native pronunciation is no use, since
> Muscovites use the name Москва́, typically transliterated and pronounced as "Moskva."
> >
> > There seems to be a diversity of opinion on the issue.  I looked at some of the dictionaries and other sources linked by Onelook.com.  The
> following favor the "cow" pronunciation (* means that the "oh" pronunciation is also given as an alternative):  Oxford (North American
> English)*; American Heritage*; Wiktionary (U.S.)*; Webster's New World; Free Dictionary*.
> >
> > However, the following favor the "oh" pronunciation (with * meaning that "cow" is given as an alternative):  Merriam-Webster*; Oxford
> (British & World English); Collins; Wiktionary (received pronunciation); Wordsmyth*; Infoplease*; Dictionary.com*; Wikipedia*;
> Rhymezone; thefreedictionary.com.
> >
> > This seems to suggest that I can get away with using either pronunciation in the U.S., although I had better use "oh" when traveling
> abroad, but I still would be interested in others' thoughts on this.
> >
> >
> > John Baker
> >
> >
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