Posted on 10/24/2005 6:00:01 AM PDT by NYer
I find the Liber Usualis to have the most thorough guide to Ecclesiastical Pronunciation.
For example,
The consonant "h" is pronounced as a "k" in words such as "mihi" (mee-kee) and "nihil" (nee-keel). This is not universally observed probably because most pronunciation guides are not as thorough as the Liber.
Regarding the original topic, mny family is doing a small part to carry on the Latin language. I consider the best way for my son (9 months old) and our future children to learn Latin will be through immersion initially followed by formal instruction later on. One day a week at Church only goes so far, so my wife and I have been praying the Rosary entirely in Latin in addition to various Litanies and Office of Compline.
LOL! That's something about indulgences that is often misunderstood. I'm guessing you said that as a joke. ;-)
What's the origin of that pronunciation? I consulted with a Latin teacher at one of the local Jesuit high schools (he's one of the old school teachers; he's 66), and he said that though he knows of that pronunication, he prefers to pronounce "mihi" "mee-hee."
It SINGS a lot better than either mee-hee or mee-kee.
A site for some texts (like some of the writings of St. Augustine, the Ecclesiastical History of the English People by St. Bede the Venerable, stuff by St. Ambrose and others) in Latin:
http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/christian.html
Honestly, I don't know...although logically, since the "h" is technically supposed to be silent, there would need to be some way separate the two "i" vowels with a stronger sound. Otherwise, one would say "mi-i", which would sound like a poorly elongated pronunciation of the vocative "mi".
Perhaps Solemnes made a judgment call when they published the Liber based on a custom in France. Just my thoughts.
That is an excellent book, and yes it does list specific amount of time each indulgence is worth. Unfortunately many of these indulgences are no longer granted.
It is the pronunciation from the Diocese of Rome. Our choirmaster is studying at Julliard and has recently checked out some books on Gregorian chant (which he said hadn't been checked out in 30-40 years, figures). He made copies of a pronunciation guide from one of them. When I get home I will see if I can tell which book it is from.
So, if you happen to assist at the indult Mass in Jersey City, you will hear the choir sing mihi as "mee-kee." It seemed a little strange to me at first, but I'm still learning.
Oops, I didn't see your reply #25. Please see my reply #31.
I had the same reaction when I was learning chant back in High School when I heard the Schola Director saying "mee-kee". He never mentioned it, nor did I ask him about it...but I eventually consulted the Liber, and there it was in the pronunciation guide. Since then, I would say I have heard priests use it 50% of the time (half do, half don't). My observation would agree with you that this tid-bit is more likely to be learned within the context of singing chant.
I find this humorous in the context of the article. Or do they spell hierarchy differently in the UK?
I only managed a C+ average in two years of high school Latin, so I sympathize with the bishops inability to understand it.
Ecclesiastical (or Medieval) Latin has a completely different pronunciation from Classical Latin as we now understand it. A friend, a few years older than I, attended highschool when the switch was made in teaching back to classical. Thus "civis", pronounced "cheevis" became "key-wis", etc.
Friend accepted it to a point, but then exclaimed to Sister Anna Roberta, "Sister, I refuse to believe that Julius Caesar said 'Waynie, Weedie, Weekie'!"
Gee, thanks Des, I ask a simple question and what do I get? A can of worms,(I'm on a diet, but not That Diet). Hmmm. WWTAU? What would Thomas Aquinas use? I hear he was pretty smart.
I'm guessing Ecclesiastical but now some wiseguy is gonna pipe up with "Well that depends on which Ecclesia."
Oh, and you neglected to say pig latin which I've known since childhood but it adds on an extra fifteen minutes to my Rosary.
Weally?
Secondary source - St. Cecilia Schola Cantorum in Auburn, AL. Plus, our choirmaster said it and AFAIK he is dead on about musical matters . . .
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