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  #1  
Old 26-Apr-2009, 17:12
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Default Pronounce Question

Hi everyone, I'm a bit confused over why the word "question" is pronounced "kwes-chun" instead of "kwes-shuhn" ?

Thanks for your help
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  #2  
Old 26-Apr-2009, 18:27
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Default Re: Pronounce Question

Your first guess is correct.
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Old 27-Apr-2009, 04:41
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Default Re: Pronounce Question

Dear Nerd:
Why? I am not an expert on the evolution of pronunciation, but my guess is that it's because the '-tion' is immediately preceded by /s/. In order to differentiate the two parts of the word, the 'tion' becomes 'chun.'
The same thing happens with 'bastion' and 'digestion' and probably a whole list of other words that are not springing to mind.

I hope this is helpful,

Petra
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Old 27-Apr-2009, 08:56
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Default Re: Pronounce Question

Thanks everyone.
English is complicated, after all these years I come across such a basic difference! Now I'm afraid that I've got other words all messed up
I also found another post that dealt with the issue.

http://www.usingenglish.com/forum/as...ffix-tion.html
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Old 27-Apr-2009, 12:10
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Default Re: Pronounce Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nerd View Post
Hi everyone, I'm a bit confused over why the word "question" is pronounced "kwes-chun" instead of "kwes-shuhn" ?

Thanks for your help
If you look, those pronounced as "shuhn" all have a vowel preceding "tion" = expedi/tion; sta/tion; disserta/tion; eleva/tion.

Petra's answer covers the other pronunciation.
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