As I do more and more audio books, I run across more and more pronunciation resources – or have them suggested to me.

Recently I completed a book of essays on the intersection of faith and science, and let me tell you, it was a challenge.  Each author gave a short history of their particular field, and seemed to delight in using large, arcane words.  From ancient Latin and Persian to modern scientific processes and techno-babble, this book had it all.

As it turns out…one of my best sources was of the flesh-and-blood type.  My Italian friend Stefano helped with the Italian names, my French-speaking friend Abby helped in her area of expertise, and my big fat Greek Pastor Bill helped with the ancient and modern Greek (ok, he’s neither big, nor fat…but he is Greek, and a pastor).  …and no, I won’t give out their phone numbers

In place of that, however, here’s a few more internet resources I’ve been availing myself of:

Tufts University Latin Site – for all your Latin needs

Japanese – for your next character from the land of the rising sun

Asian names – a general searchable database for Asian names

French Audio Dictionary – ’nuff said

Bible words – Methuse-wha?