The Madness of English Spelling: The Many Pronunciations of O-U-G-H

The video explores the complexities of English spelling, focusing on the varied pronunciations of the letters O-U-G-H. It discusses historical influences like the Great Vowel Shift and regional variations that have led to these inconsistencies. The video also delves into specific examples, such as the word 'hiccough', and concludes with an acknowledgment of the challenges faced by English learners.

Which of the following words is pronounced with the 'ough' sound as in 'though'?

• Though

• Thorough

• Plough

• Cough

What historical event is largely responsible for the changes in English vowel pronunciation?

• The Great Consonant Shift

• The Great Vowel Shift

• The English Renaissance

• The Printing Press Revolution

How did some members of the peasant class in the 1700s pronounce the word 'though'?

• Thof

• Thow

• Thuff

• Thief

Why is the word 'hiccough' pronounced as 'hiccup'?

• It was a mistake by a scholar

• It was originally spelled 'hiccup'

• It is related to the word 'cough'

• It is a regional pronunciation

In the word 'Loughborough', how many different pronunciations of O-U-G-H are there?

• Three

• Four

• Two

• One