Pronunciation of 'often'

[aboutaseasyasanuclearwar]

Hello,

Are the two different pronunciations of the term 'often' (with or withouth an audible 't') regionally characterised? In other words, where in the English-speaking world is it more likely that I hear either?

Thanks a lot,
aaeaanw

[paochai01]

Originally Posted by aboutaseasyasanuclearwar

Hello,

Are the two different pronunciations of the term 'often' (with or withouth an audible 't') regionally characterised? In other words, where in the English-speaking world is it more likely that I hear either?

Thanks a lot,
aaeaanw

T is heard mostly in British while it disappears in American English.

[Raymott]

Originally Posted by aboutaseasyasanuclearwar

Hello,

Are the two different pronunciations of the term 'often' (with or withouth an audible 't') regionally characterised? In other words, where in the English-speaking world is it more likely that I hear either?

Thanks a lot,
aaeaanw

Never with a [t] in Oz, apart from 80+ yr olds.

[damas17]

In BR accents, "often" is pronunced "offen".
but in US both "often" & "offen" are pronunced, concidering that "often" is more popular in USA

[Merentha]

Historically, I believe the pronunciation without the "t" was most common in America (I'm not sure about the UK, but I think the same applies there).

In recent years, listening to newscasters and the like, there does seem to be a trend toward pronouncing the "t". The issue has been discussed frequently in various English usage forums; the general consensus is that, for some reason, "of-T-en" is now perceived to be the prestige pronunciation.

Personally, I think "of-T-en" sounds silly. Next, people will be saying "su-B-tle" ...

Regards,
Merentha

[ladybird987]

Could a British man write something? I got confused...

[bhaisahab]

Originally Posted by ladybird987

Could a British man write something? I got confused...

I have always pronounced it with the "t" audible. British, male, 58 years old.

[engee30]

Originally Posted by bhaisahab

I have always pronounced it with the "t" audible. British, male, 58 years old.

I never have, I mean ever since I started to learn English (that is, about 14 years ago when I first tried to pronounce a single word in English).
Without 't' you don't have to use your muscles in your mouth and throat too much, as opposed to 't' pronounced.

[stuartnz]

Both "ofTen" and "offen" are heard here in NZ. I think the split would be roughly 85% "offen", 15% "ofTen". I lamost never say "ofTen", but it is sometimes used for emphatic purposes. I don't think there is any perception here that it is somehow a "superior" pronunciation.

[rlee]

It is only in recent years that "often" has become common in the U.S.

It appears now that it has outpaced "offen" which used to be the standard, virtually exclusive, pronunciation.

You have to wonder whether a similar trend will hijack the pronunciation of soften.