Bill Smith    666158 Tue, 18 Nov 08 08:50 PM The broadcast media seem to have decided that "Ralph" should be pronounced "rafe". I've known of, for example, Ralph Richardson and Ralph Vaughan Williams for most of my life, but suddenly and fairly recently they've become "rafes". Any justification for this? Regards, BS Bill Smith Regards

	John Briggs    666164 Tue, 18 Nov 08 09:42 PM "The broadcast media seem to have decided that "Ralph" should be pronounced "rafe". I've known of, for example, Ralph Richardson and Ralph Vaughan Williams for most of my life, but suddenly and fairly recently they've become "rafes". Any justification for this?" "Rafe" is the traditional English pronunciation. "Ralph" is a modern spelling-pronunciation, and hence associated with the newly literate in an age of general literacy. The Norman "Radulf" (Radulphus) became "Raulf" - and "Raoul" in France. John Briggs John Briggs Spelling, Pronunciation, Speaking, Countries, United Kingdom, Great Britain, Writing, France, Languages

	Phil C.    666205 Wed, 19 Nov 08 12:55 PM "The broadcast media seem to have decided that "Ralph" should be pronounced "rafe". I've known of, for example, Ralph Richardson and Ralph Vaughan Williams for most of my life, but suddenly and fairly recently they've become "rafes". Any justification for this?" Vaughan Williams pronounced his name "Rafe" and hated it being pronounced "Ralph". In general, I think we have to go with the flow and pronounce forenames as the owners wish. But I wouldn't take that to daft extremes. Phil C. Phil C.