1

How to pronounce 'Via Galactea'? Could you write it in international phonetic alphabet?

1 Answer 1

5

So first of all, galactea isn't native Latin (the galact- root is Greek, but I'd expect the Greek form to be something like galactica). It sounds like you're trying to translate "Milky Way"; the Latin for that would be [via] lactea.

Latin's been pronounced a LOT of different ways. No matter how you say it, there's sure to be someone who considers it correct. But since you mention being in Asia, most likely you want Reconstructed Classical or Ecclesiastic (church) pronunciation.

Reconstructed would be something like /ˈwia ˈlaktea/.
Ecclesiastic would be closer to /ˈvia ˈlaktea/.

6
  • Then, is 'Via Galactea' an ancient Greek word? Oh no Nov 29, 2016 at 16:46
  • The Greek for Milky Way is galaxias (which gives our word galaxy). Galactea doesn't seem to be a Latin word -- at least, it's not in L&S.
    – TKR
    Nov 29, 2016 at 16:58
  • 3
    The Greek name for the Milky Way is γαλαξίας κύκλος.
    – fdb
    Nov 30, 2016 at 0:04
  • 1
    In Italian it is vía láttea, with the stress on the same syllables as in Latin.
    – fdb
    Nov 30, 2016 at 9:46
  • 2
    @fdb Thanks! Altered the answer accordingly.
    – Draconis
    Nov 30, 2016 at 16:51

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.