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How to pronounce:
ottawa
Definition:
(nou) a member of the Algonquian people of southern Ontario (nou) a river in southeastern Canada that flows along the boundary between Quebec and Ontario to the Saint Lawrence River near Montreal (nou) the capital of Canada (located in southeastern Ontario across the Ottawa river from Quebec)
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Common mistakes of ottawa pronunciation
- Misplacing stress: Many people incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "ot-TA-wa" /ɑːˈtɑː.wə/. The correct pronunciation emphasizes the first syllable. Tip: Remember to stress the first syllable, saying "OT-ta-wa" /ˈɑː.tə.wə/.
- Vowel confusion: Some may pronounce "ottawa" with a long "o," as in "oh." The correct pronunciation features a short "o" sound. Tip: Focus on a short "o" sound, similar to "a" in "father."
- Overemphasizing the "t": People sometimes pronounce the "t" too strongly, making it sound like "ott-awa." In reality, the "t" is softer in "ottawa." Tip: Keep the "t" light, blending it smoothly into the following vowel.
- Dropping the final vowel: Some speakers omit the final "a," leading to "ottaw." This truncation alters the word's pronunciation. Tip: Ensure to include the final "a," pronouncing it clearly as "wa."
- Ignoring regional variations: The pronunciation can differ slightly between US and UK English, with US favoring /ˈɑː.tə.wə/ and UK leaning towards /ˈɒt.ə.wə/. Tip: Be aware of these nuances, especially when speaking with different audiences.