How to pronounce a Pakistani Surname?

Deccydiva · Nov 10, 2008

I have a minor character called Dr Shaikh.
Can anyone tell me how this surname is usually pronounced? Would the name sit well on a young, bright doctor of medicine working in London?

waylander · Nov 10, 2008

"Doctor Shake"?

Works OK.
Doctor Ahmed, Doctor Ali, Doctor Khan

If stuck for Pakistani surnames, I would recommend having a look at a cricket website for the names of Pakistani players
http://content-www.cricinfo.com/pakvwi/content/current/series/374055.html

Sophia · Nov 10, 2008

It's pronounced like Shake, but say the "a" as it is in "share". The "kh" at the end isn't a clear "k" sound, but is kind of like you're gathering saliva ready to spit it out. (Sorry, it's the only way I can think of to describe it).

The name would be fine for your character.

Deccydiva · Nov 10, 2008

Thanks!

Rep points heading your way now...

Keyan · Nov 12, 2008

Deccydiva said:
I have a minor character called Dr Shaikh.
Can anyone tell me how this surname is usually pronounced? Would the name sit well on a young, bright doctor of medicine working in London?

I imagine the pronunciation would get anglicized to Shake. If he was UK-born, he'd probably use that pronunciation himself.

Among South Asians, the "ai" would be as in "air", and the kh would be like the kh in "rocK Hit".

FinbarReilly · Nov 12, 2008

Please don't use Dr. Khan....It's too obvious, and Star Trek fans need a few more years.....

FR

Deccydiva · Nov 12, 2008

FinbarReilly said:
Please don't use Dr. Khan....It's too obvious, and Star Trek fans need a few more years.....

FR

That's why I went for a name I hadn't come across before

How to pronounce a Pakistani Surname?

Deccydiva

Back from the dead

waylander

Who's going for a beer?

Sophia

Deccydiva

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Keyan

ubiquitous

FinbarReilly

Deccydiva

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