Proper Pronunciation Guide

When pronouncing this word as a common noun, pronounce the letter “i” like the name of the letter “e”—
/i/.
When pronouncing this word as a woman’s name (proper noun) pronounce the letter “i” like the name of the letter itself
/ɑ͜i/.
Stress the second syllable—[o͜u]—in both pronunciations.
Use the y-like consonant glide
/j/ to link from the first to the second syllable—from
/i/ or
/ɑ͜i/ to
/o͜u/.

	She played the viola exquisitely.
	Viola played the viola.

(common noun) A stringed instrument that is slightly larger than a violin and which has a somewhat darker timbre or resonance; the alto instrument of the strings.
(Proper noun) A woman’s name, although not used today as much as it was many years ago.

viola