London is a city with a rich history and diverse culture, and its place names reflect that diversity. London place names are often a challenge for non-native speakers to pronounce correctly. Whether you are planning a trip to London or just curious about the city’s unique place names, this guide will help you learn how to pronounce them like a local.
General Pronunciation Rules
Before diving into specific place names, it’s helpful to understand some general pronunciation rules in British English.
- The letter ‘r’ is often silent at the end of words or before consonants.
- The letter ‘t’ is often pronounced as a glottal stop (a sound made in the throat) instead of a hard ‘t’ sound.
- Vowels are often pronounced differently than in American English. For example, the vowel sound in ‘can’t’ is closer to the vowel sound in ‘father’.
Specific London Place Names
Leicester Square
This popular tourist destination is pronounced “LESS-ter” square, with the first syllable rhyming with “mess.” The ‘i’ and ‘c’ are silent.
Southwark
This neighborhood’s name is pronounced “SUTH-uck.” The ‘w’ is silent.
Greenwich
The correct pronunciation of this famous borough is “GREN-itch,” with stress on the first syllable.
Soho
The trendy neighborhood of Soho is pronounced “SO-ho,” with both syllables stressed equally.
Thames
The river Thames, which runs through London, is pronounced “TEMZ,” with both syllables stressed equally. Don’t be fooled by the spelling – the ‘h’ is silent.
Chiswick
This affluent West London neighborhood is pronounced “CHIZ-ick,” with stress on the first syllable.
Conclusion
London place names can be tricky to pronounce, but with a little practice, you can sound like a local in no time. Remember to pay attention to silent letters and vowel sounds, and don’t be afraid to ask a native speaker for help if you’re unsure. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to confidently navigate London’s streets and landmarks like a pro.