The Eternal Breakfast Debate in a New Place

[mopsus]

Many years ago I found myself explaining at a bar in Nice the contortions required to render the word 'Lōwenbrāu' into Greek letters. I was afterwards told by my companion that this had totally silenced the conversation of the English-speakers at the next table.

[kernelbogey]

Well, she was quite right, in the sense that that’s the universal pronunciation in English pubs. In that context I’ve only ever used the ‘perfect Bavarian pronunciation’ for an arch laugh with friends, and with bar staff only when sure that they are in on the joke.

It was many years ago and seeing Lōwenbrāu in an English pub was so unusual I think I reacted as though I'd met an old friend unexpectedly!

[french frank]

I have no problem with fhe pronunciation of foreign words: it's English I fail more and more often to recognise. The BBC today had 'proven' (past participle, not adjective) where i would have used 'proved'. One either strives to be part of the 'in group' or one sticks to one's guns!

[Ein Heldenleben]

Well, she was quite right, in the sense that that’s the universal pronunciation in English pubs. In that context I’ve only ever used the ‘perfect Bavarian pronunciation’ for an arch laugh with friends, and with bar staff only when sure that they are in on the joke.

on the other hand when I ordered cher -ree -zo crisps at my local the barmaid handed them over with “and your Cher ree tho crisps “ in perfect Castilian . Turned out she was learning Spanish..

[underthecountertenor]

On the other hand I brought about complete bafflement in a serving person in an English pub by requesting - in perfectly pronounced Bavarian - 'a pint of Löwenbräu'. 'Oh', she said, 'You mean Lowenbrow'.

Well, she was quite right, in the sense that that’s the universal pronunciation in English pubs. In that context I’ve only ever used the ‘perfect Bavarian pronunciation’ for an arch laugh with friends, and with bar staff only when sure that they are in on the joke.