AusBonsai

Quite a few times in the last two days I've come across articles/videos where the author insists that the correct pronunciation of bonsai is 'bone sigh' not 'bon sigh' and definitely not 'bon zie', the second one ('bon sigh') being the only way I've heard it pronounced.

Here's the latest video I watched a few minutes ago where the person insists on 'bone sigh':

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNttzUefIFM

What's considered the correct name by forum members?

this came up a while ago, im not to fussed to be honest some people are more pedantic about it, if i was to say anything it would be bon sigh (if thats how were writing it )

it all depends on where you are to the americans are quite strong in there pronounciation, i think if you wanted the correct terminology for it i would refer to the japanese and how they say it as its their word

jamie

Dan Robinson is certainly an extremely respected authority in Bonsai over in the states. I have to admit that when Hirotoshi Saito uses the word it does sound more like Dan is saying. Without the American accent of course. PS Just not sure i would spell it as you have Ron???

anttal63 wrote:... PS Just not sure i would spell it as you have Ron???

Spelling is definitely bonsai, Antonio. My 'bon sigh' was just a way of trying to sound out the word in print.

Cheers, Ron

PS wow, autumn is coming fast! Just doing my morning check of my trees (darn caterpillers and aphids) and my nose is running and toes tingling from the 8C chill.

The morning check of the grounds should be accompanied with a nice hot cup of coffee, except that my coffee cup often gets lost in the tomato patch or the shadehouse. My solution is to have a range of coffee cups, all garden themed of course.

Greth wrote:...have a range of coffee cups, all garden themed of course.

I'm finding that my coffee cups, ornaments etc are getting to be definitely Japanese/Chinese themed. Little Buddhas & $2 shop Japanese snow lanterns sprinkled around the backyard and Chinese wall-hangings in my bedroom.

I have had this debate about other words in the past. I believe the last time, we concluded that Americans can't pronounce different languages written in English. In order for them to get anywhere near them they need them spelled, unusual ways e.g "Bone sigh" . If you asked them to pronounce Bonsai as it is written, they would just be lost. It's like asking them to pronounce Aussie, without getting the "ZZ" sound. I think it prodominantly has to do with words, with "S" in them.

I am fairly confident about the way I pronounce it after 3 years of Japanese.

As my teacher once said, in regards to a verbal examination I did,
"The way you pronounce the words is beautiful and perfect, yet you have no idea how to construct sentences" (That was in my first year)

Ron wrote:

Greth wrote:...have a range of coffee cups, all garden themed of course.

I'm finding that my coffee cups, ornaments etc are getting to be definitely Japanese/Chinese themed. Little Buddhas & $2 shop Japanese snow lanterns sprinkled around the backyard and Chinese wall-hangings in my bedroom.

Sounds like my place. What no bamboo wind chime as well?

Creeping Dragon wrote:.....What no bamboo wind chime as well?

No to the bamboo screening yet but I got this great bronze-coloured Buddha wind chime/bell with 2 smaller bells from Nesci's last Sunday.

Creeping Dragon wrote:...
I am fairly confident about the way I pronounce it after 3 years of Japanese.

...

So do you say 'bon sigh'?

(Love the way Americans say Brizbain or Melbawn. It's interesting because I've never heard Aussies do the same thing to American cities - guess we've been indoctrinated via TV and movies.)

Ron wrote:

Creeping Dragon wrote:...
I am fairly confident about the way I pronounce it after 3 years of Japanese.

...

So do you say 'bon sigh'?

(Love the way Americans say Brizbain or Melbawn. It's interesting because I've never heard Aussies do the same thing to American cities - guess we've been indoctrinated via TV and movies.)

Didn't know Ray had windchimes!! I spend more time sorting though his plants than the accessories.

No I'm Australian, I say Bonsai.

Creeping Dragon wrote:...Didn't know Ray had windchimes!! I spend more time sorting though his plants than the accessories.

Rose buys in these little knicknacks and pick up one or two whenever I go there.
and one of the 30cm high snow lanterns from a $2 shop (they actually cost 5 bucks
ea)

Ron wrote:

anttal63 wrote:... PS Just not sure i would spell it as you have Ron???

Spelling is definitely bonsai, Antonio. My 'bon sigh' was just a way of trying to sound out the word in print.

Cheers, Ron

PS wow, autumn is coming fast! Just doing my morning check of my trees (darn caterpillers and aphids) and my nose is running and toes tingling from the 8C chill.

All good Ron i knew where you were coming from just a tad tricky to convert to the English language.

Jow wrote:The other thread

Thanks, Jow. Got to learn to use better search parameters.

Cheers, Ron.