Dear Christine,

My take on this is that the "v" is generally
pronounced like an English "v" when it is surrounded
by vowel sounds or at the start of a word, e.g. vata,
ovada, but is closer to a "w" sound when immediately
preceded by a consonant, e.g. "tva.m" would sound more
like "twa.m". But as has been pointed out already
Burmese don't have a "v" sound in their language, and
so pronounce like a "w" all the time. The same may be
tru of Thais, but I'm not sure.

Thank you very much for your mid-term report on your
studies at Uni. of Qld. Sounds great! Wish I was
there - also because I have a brother who lives in
Brisbane who just had a baby boy, and I'd love to see
my new nephew! Anyway, it is truly wonderful to read
in your message how your enthusiasm for Pali has
grown. My it be fruitful, and of great benefit to you
and all beings.

Metta,
John



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