Reader Mail 10/14/2011

Today's mail:

Q: I pose an important question: how does one properly pronounce the word karate? Ka-rat-a or Ka-ra-tea? I don't want to commit a cultural faux pas & the shame that comes with it.

-Linda

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Well, Linda... your lack of knowledge is really apparent. But since there are no dumb questions, just dumb people I'll give you the answer that you seek. Just never step foot in my dojo.

A: Your wrong on both counts. Even if you are retarded with a mouthful of marbles neither of your pronunciations are acceptable.

There are two accepted pronunciations of Karate. One is "Kha-rah-tay" the other "Kha-rah-tee" one is formal, the other is the informal.

When speaking formally or actively of the way, you want to use the "Kha-rah-tay" pronunciation. Ex: "I study Karate (Kha-rah-tay)"

When speaking in informally, or in a non-action context - passively, then "Kha-rah-tee" is accepted. "I going to the store to grab a karate magazine ("Kha-rah-tee")"....

These usages are not to be taken lightly, use the wrong pronunciation in the wrong context and you are taking your life into your hands.