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How to Pronounce Thorn

Introduction

The letter thorn, represented by the symbol “þ”, is an Old English letter that is no longer used in modern English. However, it still appears in some older texts and can be helpful to know how to pronounce it if you encounter it.

Pronunciation

In Old English: The thorn was pronounced as a voiceless dental fricative, similar to the “th” sound in the English word “thin”.
In Modern English: The thorn is usually pronounced as /θ/, the same sound as the “th” in “though”.

Historical Background

The thorn was originally used to represent the voiceless dental fricative in Old English. Over time, the sound represented by the thorn gradually changed, and it eventually became indistinguishable from the “th” sound in modern English.

The thorn fell out of use in English in the 15th century, but it continued to be used in Icelandic until the 19th century. It is still sometimes used in Old English texts and in some modern Icelandic words.

Example Words

þæt (Old English for “that”)
þū (Old English for “thou”)
þing (Old English for “thing”)
þórir (Icelandic name meaning “Thor’s power”)

Tips for Pronunciation

* If you are unsure how to pronounce a word with a thorn, try pronouncing it as /θ/.
* You can also refer to a dictionary or online pronunciation guide for assistance.
* Practice pronouncing words with the thorn to become more familiar with the sound.