> It should be borne in mind that there was a very big English influx into > Monmouthshire (and Glamorgan) in 19th and early 20th century, and the way > that places were and are pronounced by people who were born and brought up > there may not be exactly as the original Welsh was pronounced years ago, > or > as they are pronounced in official circles like BBC Wales news. > > Jeff This is worth following up, I was thinking about it earlier today. Two examples sprang to mind, unfortunately for this list they were both in Glamorgan near where I once lived. Perhaps listers can quote some Monmouthshire examples. The town of Pencoed, near Bridgend, doggedly referred to by many of its inhabitants as "Pencode". Then there was Beddau: I was astonished to hear children I taught pronounce it "Bather". Oh, and of course Cyntwell near Cardiff, for some reason pronounced "Sintwell". Walt

Trinant (near Crumlin) is said locally as try-nant. Should be tree-nant. Brynmawr is said as brin-more. Should be brin-mourrr. (ou as in mouth and don't forget to roll your r's llol) Blaenavon is said as blan-avven. Should be bligh-navvon (bligh as in blind). Interestingly though, the council here Blaenau Gwent is said as bligh-ner, so they got the first part right, then ruin the 2nd half by saying uh, rather than eye. Blaina on the other hand I've heard said as both bligh-ner and blay-ner. Ebbw Vale is said locally as ebber. Should be, if I remember rightly, ebb--oy, or even ebb-woy. It's very difficult writing things phonetically, but great fun hearing my speech synthesisor for the blind having a go! Plus it keeps me quiet for a while. lol. Regards to all, Jon

Cyntwell was known in the past as Saintwell. It was in Caerau parish near Ely. Jeff