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Intermediate
Blog

Does Mozart eat Pizza and Mozzarella: TS or ZZ?

Release Date: 25 Jul, 2016

We recently had a message on Facebook inquiring as to why we pronounce PIZZA, MOZART, NAZI, and MOZZARELLA with a “TS” sound, as opposed to a “ZZ” sound. This is a great question!

As you may know, when we have other words with double ZZ’s, such as DIZZY, FIZZY, or DRIZZLE, we pronounce them exactly as spelled with a ZZ sound. So why are these other words pronounced with a TS sound?

Well, if you notice, those four words (PIZZA, MOZART, NAZI, and MOZZARELLA) are all borrowed words from Italian, German, or Austrian German. Because of this, when we pronounce them in English we also borrow the pronunciation of those words from their original language.

When a Z or a ZZ appear in a word in German and Italian, they do not exactly sound like the English Z. In fact they sound a bit closer to TZ or TS, and we approximate that into our speech as a TZ or TS. That is why we pronounce them that way, because they are borrowed!

We borrow a lot of words from other languages.

Can you think of other words that we use in English that have been borrowed from other languages?

-Suzanne

~15 minutes
Intermediate
Blog

Does Mozart eat Pizza and Mozzarella: TS or ZZ?

Release Date: 25 Jul, 2016
~15 minutes

We recently had a message on Facebook inquiring as to why we pronounce PIZZA, MOZART, NAZI, and MOZZARELLA with a "TS" sound, as opposed to a "ZZ" sound. This is a great question! As you may know, when we have other words with double ZZ's, such as DIZZY, FIZZY, or DRIZZLE, we pronounce them exactly as spelled with a ZZ sound. So why are these other words pronounced with a TS sound? Well, if you notice, those four words (PIZZA, MOZART, NAZI, and MOZZARELLA) are all borrowed words from Italian, German, or Austrian German. Because of this, when we pronounce them in English we also borrow the pronunciation of those words from their original language. When a Z or a ZZ appear in a word in German and Italian, they do not exactly sound like the English Z. In fact they sound a bit closer to TZ or TS, and we approximate that into our speech as a TZ or TS. That is why we pronounce them that way, because they are borrowed! We borrow a lot of words from other languages. Can you think of other words that we use in English that have been borrowed from other languages? -Suzanne

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Culips is podcast for English language learners who want to get awesome at English. We think it is important to learn English how it is really spoken and that’s why our lessons are always focused on real, current English. Learn to speak like a native and understand everything with Culips!  Test
Culips is really different than other English courses and podcasts. Our hosts are kind, funny, and professional. Our podcasts and lessons are designed to help you become fluent in conversational, North American English.  Here are some things you might not know about our hosts:
  • They are Canadian and American
  • Have master’s degrees and work in professions related to English education (Andrew is a university English professor, Suzanne is a pronunciation coach and voice actor, and Morag is a writer).
  • Actively study second languages as adults. Our team understands the ups and downs of studying foreign languages as adults who live busy lives.
At Culips, we make English understandable through our five different series: Chatterbox Listen to real English conversations between native speakers as we talk about current events, share funny stories, or interview fascinating guests. Become a fluent listener, get exposure to Western culture, and learn the ins and outs of natural English conversations all at the same time. Catch Word Learn natural English expressions, idioms, and phrasal verbs. We teach you everyday English vocabulary that native speakers actually use. Sound like a native speaker with Catch Word. Simplified Speech Do you get stressed out by English? Do native speakers talk too fast? Don’t worry! We’re here to help. In Simplified Speech, we use 100% natural English, but we speak more slowly than we do in our everyday lives. This series is great for all levels of learners but is specifically designed with high beginner-intermediate students in mind. Real Talk In our In our Real Talk series we teach you the practical English you need know when visiting or living in an English speaking country. Each episode examines a specific situation such as ordering at a restaurant, renting an apartment, or getting a refund. Speak Easy Speak Easy is the show that teaches you how to pronounce English the way native speakers do. Learn tips and tricks that will make your English pronunciation clear and understandable with Speak Easy.
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