Assimilation - What do you hear?

Guest   Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:48 pm GMT
How sensitive are native speakers' ear? While you should be able to "pronounce" NPR (National Public Radio) and MPR (Minnesota Public Radio) differently, are native speakers able to "perceive" the difference?

I took this clip either from the NPR or from the MPR. Now guess, which is it?

http://www24.zippyshare.com/v/56614347/file.html
Guest   Thu Nov 05, 2009 11:24 pm GMT
I can't listen to that clip right now, but my brother doesn't even pronounce the acronym NBA correctly, instead saying MBA.
Towelie   Fri Nov 06, 2009 2:32 am GMT
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dont forget to bring a towel
Guest   Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:59 pm GMT
<<I can't listen to that clip right now, but my brother doesn't even pronounce the acronym NBA correctly, instead saying MBA.>>

And can you always tell the difference? How easily?
Antimooner K. T.   Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:08 pm GMT
I don't understand. I don't have trouble telling the difference between NPR and MPR. I don't expect to hear MPR, though. NPR is more common, so if someone said "MPR", it's possible that I would ask for a clarification.
Guest   Sun Nov 08, 2009 12:55 pm GMT
<<I don't expect to hear MPR, though. NPR is more common, so if someone said "MPR", it's possible that I would ask for a clarification. >>

Then you DO have trouble telling the difference. NPR is National Public Radio, and MPR is Minnesota Public Radio, which is another popular American public radio.
Can't you tell for sure which radio I took that clip from?
Guest   Sun Nov 08, 2009 9:41 pm GMT
<<And can you always tell the difference? How easily? >>

Yes. Easily.
Antimooner K. T.   Mon Nov 09, 2009 3:41 am GMT
No, I don't have trouble with M and N. I didn't listen to the clip.