In every instance that I've actually heard the word said aloud, it has been by Americans (more specifically, american gentiles), and they pronounce it "Cay-nan". I'm doubtful that this is how the name would actually have been pronounced in Hebrew at the time (or Phonecian or any other language from that area and era). My first instinct looking at the spelling would be more like "Ca-nahn", I would appreciate any input on how this word would be pronounced in ancient Hebrew convention
Videos
Is it Kay-NIN or Kay-NON?
I've always heard the former, but I was watching Christiane Hayes' Intro lecture today, and she alternately said Kay-NON also. Which is more authentic? Thanks.
@ 39 seconds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V006bX4mlu4
In Hebrew it would be more like kay-NAW-on, with a full stop between the two a's. In English . . . which sounds better to you? Just make sure the emphasis goes on the first syllable if you anglicize it.
The Hebrew word is pronounced K'naan or Ki-na'an. I normally say it sorta like "ki" as in "kick" followed by "naan" as in the Indian bread. If I find a video of someone saying it in Hebrew, I'll share it.
In English the first part is given more stress and is said as "kay" with the latter half less stressed. Normally it's pronounced "Kay-nun" in English. That's how it's pronounced in the town near me named Canaan, and that's how I pronounced it when working at the historical site there. Some people pronounce it a little more like Kay-nen. Either way is less authentic than the Hebrew, but I believe the authentic English pronunciation is Kay-nun.
I think in your video she's just giving the Hebrew pronunciation as Ki-na-an. She's stressing the stop between the two "a" syllables more than I or other Hebrew speakers I know do, but a lot of syllables flow together when speaking.