pronunciation

[NIN]

Hello, there:
I would like to ask a question about pronunciation.
I am wondering why same letter have different pronunciations.i.e. "deaf" and" deal".

Is there any rule about it?
Could you please clarify it for me?
Thanks a lot!

[Lucretia]

Hello NIN,


"deaf" and " deal"

and great.
No rule, just learn those words. In most cases, though, it will be long[ i:], but one should always make sure.

Best wishes.

[NIN]

Thanks a lot, Lucretia!

[Pete]

Hello NIN,


and great.
No rule, just learn those words. In most cases, though, it will be long[ i:], but one should always make sure.

Best wishes.
And just to make it really "interesting", consider the words:

- lead, a heavy grey metal, pronounced "led" with a short E.

and

- lead, a verb that can mean to go ahead of or to be in charge of, pronounced "leed" with a long E.