Portland-eese (or how do I pronounce certain words?) (Salem, Tualatin: college, radio)

[ramedud]

I guessed correctly. In Japanese it's pronounced ナイト (when romanized it's spelled Naito and pronounced nye-toe), which, interestingly enough, is the same spelling and pronunciation of Phil Knight's last name in Japanese (フィル・ナイト). Talk about keeping Portland weird.

Moderator cut: snip

[wanderbygrace]

I've always like this guy's website:
A Northwest Pronunciation Guide

I've used it multiple times before opening my mouth, so I sound more like a native and less like a tourist.

[doggiemama]

Found this on http://ninalp.com/share/Naito+Chronology.pdf

"1957 - Bill changes the pronunciation of his last name to make doing
business easier – from N-eye-toe to N-ay-toe, like the National
Alliance Treaty Organization (NATO)."

[turquoise1]

Bill Naito's son is a great doctor, incidentally. He practices at Portland Clinic.

[Nell Plotts]

I remember Bill Naito most for his attitude about how he handled his student employees. He required that they bring their grades for him to review. If he felt that their studies were suffering he cut back their hours or suspended them. He was open to give them slack during the term if they brought their work in problem classes to him for review.

[Beenhere4ever]

I always pronounced it N-eye-toh. I had friends who had part time jobs with his company, and I think I picked it up from them. Did they change the name of Harbor Drive to Naito Blvd?

[Minervah]

Originally Posted by hamellr

No, Harbor Drive was removed totally to make room for Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Naito Parkway is the old 1st street.

That's what I thought it was too. I think I got it confused for a moment with Front St when someone mentioned it. Must be the new meds I am on.

I remember seeing Bill Naito speak one time at a dinner given for Portland's movers and shakers or whatever they call them. He was very impressive. Very charismatic.

[NWGirl74]

Originally Posted by pdxMIKEpdx

Also, Flavel is pronounced FLAH-vell and 39th Avenue is pronounced Cesar E Chavez.

Or Cesar E Kay-vez depending on which nav app you use.

[Kimballette]

Let's steer the discussion back to the topic, please. Otherwise, the thread may as well be closed.

If you'd like to discuss streets that have been renamed, feel free to start a thread on that topic. Thanks.

[Minervah]

I had a lot of trouble pronouncing the name "Tualatin" when I first moved here. Honestly I don't know why. The people I worked with thought it was very funny. I just couldn't wrap my tongue around it but I finally conquered the word.

I cracked up when my sister from Chicago visited me in "Tiggered" as she called it. As in "Winnie The Pooh's" friend.