Pronunciation of Aberforth (was:Re: HP Filks Contest: Name that Goat-Page!)

[eloiseherisson at aol.com]

> Abe's Babe  (or Songs to Abe's Babe)
> 
> Since the pronunciation of "Aberforth" is only a shade less 
> controversial than the pronunciation of "Voldemort," I also offer:
> 
> Inside Ab's Lab  (experimental charms, you know)

The pronunciation of Aberforth is controversial? 
Well blow me down with a feather, I'd never even have contemplated that!

There are a fair number of British (mostly Welsh or Scottish) place names 
which start 
'Aber-' (it meaning a river mouth in Welsh or a confluence in Pictish) and as 
far as I am aware they are invariably pronounced with a short 'a' (like 
Abba!). Same with the surname, Abercrombie. I would think that the idea of 
pronouncing Aberforth by analogy with 'Abe' is completely counterintuitive to anyone 
familiar with the native pronunciation of British place names. At least, 
'normal' British place names. ;-)

~Eloise

Who lives near two places called Wrotham and Trottiscliffe. Care to guess 
their pronunciation?


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