Learn How to Pronounce durham

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durham

Definition:

(nou) a city of north central North Carolina; site of Duke University (nou) English breed of short-horned cattle

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: durham

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Common mistakes of durham pronunciation

Misplacing the stress: Many people incorrectly stress the second syllable in "durham" as /ˈdʌr.əm/. The correct stress is on the first syllable: /ˈdɜr.əm/ in US and /ˈdʌr.əm/ in UK. Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable.
Incorrect vowel sound: Some pronounce "durham" with an "a" sound like in "cat." The correct vowel sound is /ɜr/ in US and /ʌ/ in UK. Tip: Focus on the "ur" sound, which should be pronounced like "er" in "her."
Overemphasizing the "h": People often pronounce "durham" with a strong "h" sound, making it sound like "durham." The "h" should be soft or almost silent in connected speech. Tip: Keep the "h" light and let the "d" lead.
Adding an extra syllable: Some mistakenly pronounce "durham" as if it has three syllables, saying "dur-uhm." The correct pronunciation has only two syllables: /ˈdɜr.əm/ in US and /ˈdʌr.əm/ in UK. Tip: Practice saying it quickly to maintain the two-syllable flow.
Ignoring regional variations: Different regions may pronounce "durham" slightly differently. For example, some may use /ˈdʌr.əm/ in UK. Tip: Listen to native speakers from different areas to grasp these nuances.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "durham"?

The word "durham" is pronounced as /ˈdɜːr.əm/ in American English and /ˈdʌr.əm/ in British English. The first syllable is stressed in both variants.

What is the syllable breakdown for "durham"?

"Durham" has two syllables: "dur" and "ham." The first syllable is pronounced with a long vowel sound in American English, while in British English, it has a short vowel sound.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "durham"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress or altering the vowel sounds. Some may say "dur-ham" with equal stress on both syllables, but remember to emphasize the first syllable.

Does "durham" have any regional variations in pronunciation?

Yes, "durham" can have slight variations based on regional accents. For example, in some areas, the "h" may be less pronounced, leading to a softer sound in casual conversation.