Pronunciation

[Emily]

Okay, a couple pronunciation things I've been wondering about...

1. How is the "h" in "mihi" and "nihil" pronounced? On EWTN http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/ecclesiastical_latin.htm it says that it is pronounced like a "k" in those two words, but on the lecture they (well, "mihi" anyway) are pronouced with the "h" sounding like an English "h." Also, at a Tridentine Mass I was at recently, the word "mihi" came up several times in the Gospel, and Father said it as an "h" each time. So what's up?

2. In "tibi" is the first "i" pronounced like a short "i" in English, or is it like a long "e" (like "Tee-bee" - that's how I've always heard it pronounced, by nearly everyone)

Sorry, I know these are kind of odd questions!

[The Roman]

I would say that the correct pronunciation is the more common one. I've always thought that the "h" in mihi and nihil were pronounced with the 'h" sound of English. I pronounced tibi as you have. I don't think there is anyone who can speak every word of any language perfectly. There's no use in saying mee-kee if no one knows what you're saying.

[Celtic Angel]

I agree with Roman. I've always pronounced mihi and nihil using the "h" sound, and I also pronounce tibi the way you do. As Emily was saying, at the Latin Mass I attend, Father always pronounces the "h" in mihi/nihil, as well as pronouncing tibi the way we always hear it pronounced.

[Matthew S.H.M.]

the h on the keyboard is onlt one key away from the k.......I´m thinking typo...

[Emily]

I was looking in the Liber Usualis today, and it says:

H is pronounced like K in the two words nihil (nee-keel) and mihi (mee-kee) and their compounds. In ancient books these words are often written nichil and michi. In all other cases H is mute.

[Ladyof1861]

I've always heard "mihi" pronounced with a "k".