Argenteen -v- Argentine Tango

Some people say Argenteen but others say Argentine Tango, but which is it ? (Have altered the spelling of one to highlight the difference in sound.) Anyone know the correct version ?

Posted this elsewhere Lucielle, but there are no "i" (as in hit) or "I" (as in mine) in the Spanish language vowels. It is pronounced "ee". It is therefore "Argenteen" tango. You will hear it pronounced the other way by many, but the Spanish way is correct.

I studied Spanish for five years and can speak it well enough to get by with. If it helps, the Spansh vowel sounds,which are quite basic, are as follows:
A. " a" As in cat, rat, bat etc
E. "A", as in May, say,day etc.
I. "E" as in me, she, tea etc.
O. "o" as in hot, got, lot etc
U" "OO" as in glue, too, you" etc.

Hope this is of some use.

A differing view, also from a linguist. I believe it is correct in English to say Argetentyne because it is an English word. The Spanish word would be Argentino/a depending on gender. I would no more say Argenteen when speaking English (which is neither English nor Spanish) than I would say Milano (as opposed to Milan) when pronoucing the name of that city in English speech.

In the days when the beeb's pronunciation people still held sway newsreaders consistently said Argentyne. These days they are as likely to say Argentinian, which is not even a word and sends my blood straight to boiling point!

Littlebear wrote:A differing view, also from a linguist. I believe it is correct in English to say Argetentyne because it is an English word. The Spanish word would be Argentino/a depending on gender. I would no more say Argenteen when speaking English (which is neither English nor Spanish) than I would say Milano (as opposed to Milan) when pronoucing the name of that city in English speech.

In the days when the beeb's pronunciation people still held sway newsreaders consistently said Argentyne. These days they are as likely to say Argentinian, which is not even a word and sends my blood straight to boiling point!

Fair comment Litttlebear, I suppose it's how you look at it, but we don't say Argen(tie)na, even in English, when referring to the country, we say Argenteena and Argentine isn't an English word at all, just a pronunciation. English people also say Seville, when referring to Sevilla, but that's our interpretation not the correct pronunciation. We also say Toreador when referring to a Matador and there's no such word in Spanish. Torero is acceptable, Tereador doesn't exist. End of day people will call it what they call it and the arguments will go on. Don't cry for me Argenteena.

There is a difference of spelling too though. Seville/Sevilla are different words just like Edimburgo/Edinburgh are. Tis the vagaries and the room for differing interpretations that make langage so exciting though isn't it?

Littlebear wrote:There is a difference of spelling too though. Seville/Sevilla are different words just like Edimburgo/Edinburgh are. Tis the vagaries and the room for differing interpretations that make langage so exciting though isn't it?

As you say,LB, how dull would life be without a little argument now and then.

Many of their descriptions of us are recognisable,some completely not so. Two of my very favourite "Spanishisms" in this category are Pais de Gales (Wales) and La Mancha (The English Channel). Fascinating country, fascinating people.