Reference tool

Pronunciation Guide

A straightforward key for reading unfamiliar Maine town and place names without specialized phonetic symbols.

Printed reference book open to an alphabetical entry

How to use the guide

Read Maine names with confidence

Some pronunciations of Maine town and place names are not obvious from their spelling. Mainean Encyclopedia uses a simple notation system to help readers sound them out.

The system avoids diacritical marks and specialized symbols. It is easier to read than the International Phonetic Alphabet, though it describes fewer distinctions between sounds. Familiar English words and practical judgment therefore remain important.

Capital letters and bold type identify the syllable or syllables that receive emphasis. For example, Skowhegan is written “skow-HEE-gihn.”

The notation

Nine practical rules

These conventions explain stress, vowel length, diphthongs, consonants, and the occasional note needed to avoid ambiguity.

Stress is capitalized

The stressed syllable is written in CAPITAL LETTERS and bold type: skow-HEE-gihn.

Short vowels use “h”

An “h” after a vowel generally signals a short vowel sound.

Form	Sounds like
ah	“arm”
eh	“get”
ih	“it”
uh	“up”

The short “o” may instead be written through a familiar sound, such as “muh” in “mother.”

Long vowels may be doubled

Two or more vowel letters can indicate a long vowel. “Decent,” for example, becomes “DEE-seh-nt.”

Double “o” follows “tooth”

When “oo” appears, use the vowel sound heard in the word “tooth.”

Diphthongs may add “y”

A “y” can help indicate a blended vowel sound. Familiar examples include “ou” in “out” and “oy” in “boy.”

Long “o” uses a familiar word

A recognizable word may clarify the sound. “Mow” means the sound heard in “mow the lawn.”

“K” can replace hard “C”

The letter “k” is often used when a hard “c” sound is needed, reducing uncertainty.

Repeated “s” means a hiss

“ss” or “sss” asks for a hissing “s” rather than the “z” sound often heard at the ends of words.

Notes resolve ambiguity

Where the spelling could still be confusing, a brief explanatory note follows the pronunciation.

Worked examples

See the system in use

Start with the syllable breaks, recognize each plain-language sound, then emphasize the bold capitalized syllable.

Place name

Skowhegan

skow-HEE-gihn

Long vowel

Decent

DEE-seh-nt

Familiar-word cue

Long “o”

Use “mow,” as in “mow the lawn.”

Continue researching

Related reference tools

Use terminology, maps, search guidance, dates, and the alphabetical index to move from a name to its wider context.

FAQ

Pronunciation questions

Quick guidance for interpreting the notation consistently.

Why not use the International Phonetic Alphabet?

This guide favors a smaller set of familiar letters and English words so readers can use it without learning specialist phonetic symbols.

How do I find the stressed syllable?

Look for the syllable written in bold capital letters. That portion receives the strongest emphasis.

What does an “h” after a vowel mean?

It generally marks a short vowel sound, such as “eh” in “get,” “ih” in “it,” or “uh” in “up.”

What does “oo” sound like?

A double “o” uses the sound heard in “tooth.”

Why is “k” sometimes used instead of “c”?

Using “k” makes it clear that the consonant should have a hard sound.

What if the notation could still be read two ways?

A short note may follow the pronunciation to clarify the intended sound through a familiar word or explanation.