can someone please spell phonetically some strange place names in the Tien shan gold belt for me

[mkjuk]

I've got to give a presentation for a job interview about a copper and gold deposit in the Kyrgzy Republic which is in the Tien Shan Gold belt but ive no idea how to pronounce the work Kyrgzy, I dont know how to pronounce Muruntau or Kalmakyr either but those last two probably sound like they look like they shold sound?

Can anyone help -please

[Lorcan]

I'm totally unfamiliar with the region but I've heard Kyrgzystan (formerly Russian state which borders China) pronounced Kur - Jih - Stan on the Beeb so I'd guess Kyrzgy is Kur - Jih.

[jonnythebosh]

Have you thought about taking Borat with you? I'm sure he would be able to smooth the ground for you and offer usefull hints.

[jno]

it's Kyrgyz, not Kyrgzy; I've mostly heard it much as written (keer - giz), which unless you're speaking to Kyrgyz nationals would probably be ok. You could try this:

http://www.brookscole.com/earthscience_d/templ ates/student_resources/0030339669_salter/geo2_ pronunciation/geoApp2.html

(I haven't got sound at the moment so I don't know if it works)

[3penny]

Think of the small green cucumber-like vegetable, the courgette, take off the 'ette' and add a shorter 'ou' at the end - courgou. Remember the 'g' will sound more of a long 'j'.