A poll on the pronunciation of a character's name

[TheCrystallineEntity]

I've figured out the pronunciation of every character name except for one: Gilas.

 

[Laurence]

Geelas is the least controversial to me but even then the G could be hard or soft! I kinda like letting people decide for themselves how to pronounce names though. Adds an element of personalisation.

 

[TheCrystallineEntity]

What do you mean by controversial?

I'm the type who has a pronunciation guide at the start of every one of my books, but that's just me.

 

[Heliotrope]

I thought Gillas was the least controversial, and by controversial I mean the least likely to be confusing as far as pronunciation.

I know for. myself, and this is totally personal opinion, but it doesn't matter what the author puts at the front or back of the book, I will pronounce the names however they seem right to me. I won't spend a bunch of time looking for a pronunciation page.

 

[TheCrystallineEntity]

Oh. I see. Thanks.

 

[CupofJoe]

I read it as two syllables Gill-Ass
Gill [as a part of a Fish] and Ass [as in another name for a Donkey]

 

[TheCrystallineEntity]

Now that makes it sound absurd.
I'm sorry.

It is an actual name, if it makes anyone feel any better. Irish Gaelic, according to my name dictionary.

 

[Heliotrope]

I read Gill - Ass too.

 

[crowgirl]

If you're wanting it to reflect actual Irish Gaelic, the correct pronunciation would actually be Gil-uhs, with stress on the first syllable. (I'm learning Irish, but am no expert). Of course, since you're writing fantasy, you can make it sound however you wish in your world.

 

[Orior]

Please, write the name you were thinking about, the way you would write it in the story. I think many people will pronounce it differently, and you can change the way you wite it by seeing what are the answers you get.
Great names, though!
Orior