1. Eyak (ee-yak)
Located in the southern part of Alaska, Eyak might look like an easy name to pronounce, but the correct pronunciation can trip you up. It’s pronounced “ee-yak”, not “eye-ak” or “ee-ack”.
2. Knik (k-nick)
This is a popular area in the Mat-Su Valley, but despite how it’s spelled, it’s not pronounced like “knick-knack.” The correct pronunciation is “k-nick”, with a sharp “k” sound at the beginning, like the start of “knight.”
3. Unalaska (you-nah-LASS-kah)
Unalaska, the largest community in the Aleutian Islands, may seem straightforward, but it’s a tricky one. It’s pronounced “you-nah-LASS-kah”, not “you-na-LAH-ska” or “you-na-laska.”
4. Kuskokwim (kuss-kok-wim)
This major river and surrounding area in western Alaska is known for its challenges to non-locals. It’s pronounced “kuss-kok-wim”, with emphasis on the first part, sounding much like “cushion.”
5. Wrangell (rang-ul)
You might think this is a straightforward one, but “Wrangell” is tricky for many. The “W” is silent, so it’s pronounced “rang-ul”.
6. Seldovia (sell-DOE-vee-uh)
This coastal village on the Kenai Peninsula will surely have you second-guessing your pronunciation. The right way to say it is “sell-DOE-vee-uh”, not “sell-DOH-vee-uh” or “Seld-OH-vee-uh.”
7. Ninilchik (ni-NILL-chik)
It may look like a tongue-twister at first glance, but the correct way to pronounce Ninilchik is “ni-NILL-chik”, with the emphasis on the middle syllable.
8. Tununak (too-NOO-nak)
This remote village in western Alaska might seem simple at first glance, but it’s easy to mispronounce. It’s actually “too-NOO-nak”, not “too-NUN-ak” or “tun-un-ak.”
9. Chugach (choo-GAHCH)
This popular Alaskan mountain range and the surrounding national forest area might fool you with its spelling. It’s pronounced “choo-GAHCH”, not “choo-GATCH”.
10. Talkeetna (tahl-KEET-nuh)
A beloved small town in south-central Alaska, Talkeetna is deceptively tricky. The proper pronunciation is “tahl-KEET-nuh”, with emphasis on the second syllable, not “tal-KEET-na”.
11. Iliamna (ill-ee-AHM-nah)
You may think it’s “I-lee-am-na”, but the correct way to pronounce this town is “ill-ee-AHM-nah”. The “i” in the first syllable makes an “ill” sound, which catches many people off guard.
Alaska is full of beautiful and unique places, but with so many tricky names, even the locals will get a laugh when they hear you try to say them. Want to take the challenge? Try pronouncing these before Googling the answers!
SOURCES
[1] https://ourbigbackyardblog.weebly.com/blog/how-to-not-sound-like-a-tourist-when-you-visit-alaska
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hh_bLxT0kJs
[3] https://www.uaf.edu/anla/collections/map/names/
[4] https://www.akbizmag.com/a-pronunciation-guide/
[5] https://gis.data.alaska.gov/datasets/DCCED::alaska-native-place-names-1/about
