The long-awaited PL notes for Section 13:
9:19 – “such access of mind” – When you pronounce the word “access,” it’s important to make sure that both syllables are given equal value and length, and that the ‘ss’ at the end of the word is not voiced (it should be a slightly lengthened, hissing [s] sound, and is never voiced like the letter ‘z’ – not unlike the final 'ss' in the word '
success'). I’m pretty sure that you already know this, and that this was just an oversight. In any case, here, it sounds like you are saying “such axes of mind.” Although this may not seem like a big deal, in fact, I had to go to the text to figure out what you were trying to say. (It also doesn’t help that “access of mind” is a very archaic phrase!)
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/access
32:08 – “weariness” – The vowel of the first syllable needs to be a long [ee] sound in order to distinguish this word from the word '
wariness.' That is to say, the first syllable of “weariness” is
not pronounced like the verb '
to wear.' Please see:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weariness
vs.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wariness
45:04 – “mischief” – Here, we run into a similar situation to what we encountered with the word "unleavened." Although this word is written with what would appear to be a long vowel, in fact, there is no long vowel in this word, and both syllables should be pronounced with a short vowel; that is to say, the second syllable does not sound anything like the word '
chief.' Two possibilities, depending on where the speaker is from, and sometimes just the preference of the speaker, are [‘mĭs-chĭf] and [‘mĭs-chəf]. Please note, though, that I would consider this correction to be entirely
optional. Although your pronunciation is not exactly correct, anyone paying even rudimentary attention to the recording would be able to understand what you’re saying, and the difference is so minor that most listeners probably wouldn’t even take notice. (Remember, I’m specifically listening for pronunciation, whereas others will hopefully be paying more attention to the content.)
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mischief
51:28 – “unreservedly” – Unlike "mischief," above, this one definitely cries out for correction. When you add the letters "-ly" in order to turn "unreserved" into an adverb, you are, in effect, changing a three-syllable word into a five-syllable word. The reason why "-ly" results in the addition of
two syllables is that, by some unexplainable art of Magick
, it causes the penultimate vowel to recover its full value, which means that the penultimate vowel now requires its very own syllable. Thankfully, someone decided to make a YouTube video… so the world is safe again (but for how long??)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48NyhM_FH7E
57:34 – “weariness” – Same as above.
59:05 – “languor” – Here is another
optional correction. There is no [w] sound in this word, and the letters '
gu' are, or should be, pronounced simply as a hard [g]. An easier way to put it is that “languor” needs to rhyme with “anger.” However, “languor” is a pretty arcane word, and most Americans seem to be confused about how to pronounce it correctly. A main source of confusion is the fact that the much more common adjectival form, "
languid," IS pronounced with a [w] sound. So, you did pronounce it wrong, sure enough… I’m just not sure that anyone would really take notice.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/languor
1:00:32 – “sorrows” – Again, I’m pretty sure that this was just an oversight on your part; but, as you are probably aware, the first syllable of this word needs to be pronounced with either a long [ah] sound, or simply as an [o], dependent upon regional differences. As you seem to be more familiar with British English, you may wish to shoot for the [o] sound. But, in any case, this word should
never rhyme with “burrows” or “furrows.” [Note: I thought long and hard about characterizing this as an 'optional' correction; but, after listening carefully several times, I decided that this particular mispronunciation, while seemingly minor, is really very noticeable, probably even to the casual listener. This is probably due to the fact that the mispronounced vowel happens to occur in the stressed syllable of a two-syllable word. S[ah]rry about that...]
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sorrow
1:11:44 – Last but not least, at the end of the section, you state, “End of Book 3, Chapter 2,” whereas this section purports to be Book 4, Chapter 2. (Good thing I listened right up to the end!!)
I bet it was scarcely-related swearing indeed!
