Vote of the week: Pronouncing 'Caribbean'?

From Brandon Mendoza on April 18, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Funny thing is, both are supposedly correct. But correct me if I'm wrong, only America uses both? I'd think people in the actual Caribbean pronounce it 'kah-RIH-bee-an', or 'Cuh-rib-ee-uhn'

From Adrienne McDonald on April 18, 2008 at 12:52 PM
I think so too but I think here in the states we may tend to pronounce things as they appear to be spelled, like at first learning a new word & sounding it out, then figuring it out & thinking, well, this MUST be right! I still say it as Care-uh-BEE-in just coz it's easier to say & think of quickly, & it sounds more 'southern', lolol. Plus that's really the way I've ALWAYS heard the title pronounced & it just 'sounds' right. Now, if we're in a conversation about the actual CARIBBEAN ocean, then I say Cah-rib-ee-in (the other way) because that's the way I've heard the actual Ocean's name pronounced which I think IS correct from what I've heard, like in school, etc. Confused yet?? lol.

From Don Neal on April 18, 2008 at 1:16 PM
What's funny is I just realized I say it both ways but under different context. If it's the movie and the ride, it's CARE-Uh-Bee-an but if it's the islands in the context of a vacation or cruise, I say Cuh-RIB-bee-an. LOL

From Joshua Counsil on April 18, 2008 at 1:47 PM
Wow ... is this actually worth voting on? No offense ... just a bizarre topic.

From Robert Niles on April 18, 2008 at 2:14 PM
What can I say? I'm in a bizarre and trivial mood today....

From Dan Rosenberg on April 18, 2008 at 2:47 PM
When I'm on vacation I say Car-Ib-ee-un but I call the attraction Care-uh-bee-ann. Its wierd.

From Claudine Deshaies on April 18, 2008 at 3:18 PM
I say it both ways depending on which way it comes out at the time. I'm sure if I've had a few drinks I would even find some other way to pronounce it.

Robert, go ahead and poll us on anything...it's your site.
(not sucking up, I just like polls about any topic)

From Ryan L on April 18, 2008 at 9:38 PM
I'm the same as Don--I say Care-uh-be-an for the ride/movies, but in reference to the cruiseline or the islands I say cuh-rib-e-an.

From Mark Walker on April 19, 2008 at 1:25 AM
Well, that's what families are for!

I vote the second answer.

From Chris Kirk on April 20, 2008 at 9:08 AM
If I’m not mistaken Care-uh-bee-ann is how it was pronounced when Disney designed and introduced the ride – might have been one of those Americanized words. Over the years, the word has been changed and is pronounced as Cuh-rib-ee-uhn. But out of respect for Disney, I think it should be said in the original way – p.c. or not!

From Joshua Counsil on April 21, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Alright, I cracked -
"Care-uh-bee-in"