English becoming more phonetic?

>> I also recall hearing "maiten" for'maiden', as in "what is your maiten name? <<

Was it pronounced as an actual T or as a glottal stop?

Jumbo : « For example, lots of people pronounce 'says' exactly how it is written rather than 'sehs'. »

Ce n'est pas un exemple de phonétisation de l'anglais, mais plutôt de l'inverse : comment le graphisme influe sur la prononciation de la langue anglaise.

D'ailleurs toute langue parlée est phonétique — par définition. Les langues humaines ne peuvent devenir "plus" ou "moins" phonétique : elles *SONT* phonétiques — point barre.

greg: here, here.

>> I also recall hearing "maiten" for'maiden', as in "what is your maiten name? <<

<<Was it pronounced as an actual T or as a glottal stop? >>

That would be a glottal stop in AmE.

<Since when does anyone say falcon without the L? >

As someone who omits the L, I was a little doubtful, after reading your post; but I see that the OED presents both pronunciations, with the L-less version first.

It may well be more common in BrE, however.

All the best,

MrP

I've never heard it without the L in my whole life. So is it pronounced fakkin or fowkin?

The L is only omitted if the vowel resembles "pull" or "ought". If you pronounce it to rhyme with "pal", the L remains.

(Sorry, I should have mentioned that.)

MrP