Pronunciation, a term denoting the manner of articulat-ing or sounding the words of a language.

Pronunciation is the most difficult, and at the same time the most defective part in grammar, the writer having frequently no determinate expression, by which he can convey a distinct idea of particular sounds : hence it becomes necessary to substitute a precarious and even vicious term. These remarks are peculiarly applicable to the English language, where the same word is often both a noun and a verb; for instance, "to present a nosegay; and, to accept of the present:" the real difference being distinguished only by the accent.—To remedy such inconveniencies, it has been proposed to establish a standard of pronunciation, by means of certain visible marks ; and different essays have been published on the subject. The best work of this nature, as a guide to young persons, and more especially to foreigners, appears to be, Mr. John Walker's Pronouncing Dictionary (4to. 2d edit. ll. 5s.); by a diligent study of which, the reader may be enabled to form his pronunciation in the most appropriate manner. The author of this classical book, being a gentleman of considerable lite rary attainments, possesses the additional merit of a teacher, who, through a long series of years, has formed many of our best public speakers : nay, we are convinced, that the happy talent of imparting judicious precepts with a melodious, distinct, and manly enunciation, has seldom been more conspicuous in one person.