Hungarian Lesson #1: Beregszász

I intend to write a more substantial post later in the weekend, but this is just a brief-study-break-post in response to a reader inquiry: How do you pronounce "Beregszász," the name of the city where I currently reside? (For you, Becca!)

You need three pieces of information.

1. Vowels. The vowels are a snap for my German colleagues, but I've struggled with hearing and producing Hungarian's long, roundy "o" and "u" sounds. These have yet to find a permanent home on my English palette. But! I have a vowel pronunciation list and examples on the wall right in front of me. Luckily, you won't have to contend with o, ó, ö, ő, u, ú, ü, or ű in this lesson, just "e" as in elephant and "á" like in unbelievable.

2. "Sz." This is easier. In Hungarian "s" is equivalent to an English "sh." "Sz" is an English "s." Plain and simple. To me, "szász" ends up sounding like the English word "sauce." Got it? Great. Now I wonder what bereg sauce would taste like...?

3. Finally, and most importantly, every word is accented on the first syllable (Thanks, Daniel!).

Now you're ready to give it a try: Beregszász. Excellent.

Keep the questions coming!