art nouveau

[SteelyGeoff]

What is the correct pronunciation? I heard a TV presenter pronounce it with a silent T (ar nouveau) is this correct?

[georgit79]

well, if you're using the correct French pronunciation, then there is barely any emphasis at all on the 't'. The 'r' of art kind of slides into the 'n' of the second word. So yes, the presenter was right.

[acw]

Although if you're British/American/any sort of native English speaker, I'd suggest that that would sound a little pretentious.  I love Art Nouveau - complete with it's fully pronounced T. 

I put the emphasis on the Nou, not the veau - is that correct - Art Nouveau?!

[georgit79]

nope, it's art nouveau

[acw]

I realise in the French way of things it's Nouveau, but in terms of "usual" British pronunciation, what would it be?  Still Nouveau? 

I appreciate that it's important to get accent right, but I call Paris, Pariss, not Paree, unless I'm speaking French.  Therefore I apply the same logic to talking about art movements.  :-)

[acw]

PS - Mind you my French is rubbish and my accent en francais is probably dire!!!  At least when I speak English my West Country doesn't come through too much.  It's a beautiful accent, but like Brum, it can ruin your job prospects for no good reason!!!  :-)

[Jackanory]

The movement took its name from La Maison de l'Art Nouveau in Paris, a shop keen to promote modern ideas in art.

I found that out when I googled!  I think acw made a very good point about Paris/Paree.  I say "Herbs" not "erbs" as many do.

Pronunciation becomes accepted with usage & I think that, as long as people know what you are talking about, it doesn't really matter.  :o)

[acw]

Indeed - I had a friend who called it "nuvugh" (flat u sounds, as in "tug") I still knew what she meant! :-)

Given out regional accents anyway, I suppose it's hard to have a definitive answer, although I wish people would learn that it's HArassment, not haRASSment if you're in the UK.  :-p

[Narolines]

You could always call it "Jugendstil" or "De Stijl" and flummox everybody!

[acw]

And I can pronounce it better in German too!  Thanks for the tip Narolines - and welcome to AB! :-)