Just for fun - Curious

Hey Folks -

There's a conservative (Libertarian) think tank called The Cato Institute.

I've known about it for years (founded in 1977) via its frequent media involvement. In all those years, its name has consistently been pronounced "Kay-toe." Lately an announcer on National Public Radio has been consistently pronouncing it "Cat-oh."

A local public radio talk show was interviewing an expert on language and dictionaries. I called in and asked which pronunciation was correct. The long-time local host had always heard "Kay-toe" - just as I had. The expert hedged, saying the institute could call itself anything it wanted (which was no help whatsoever, since no one from the institute had been heard from).

The Expert went on to suggest that Cato's name, since it was a Latin, Roman name could be pronounced as a Roman would or as a Latin-speaking Roman Catholic would (i.e. using a "church" pronunciation). He didn't go on to make that clear (is there a difference and, if so, what is it?).

So, Folks, we are left wondering !!

The Uke Man finds that unacceptable, and I have taken up the challenge. I will attempt to contact the Cato Institute and ask them to provide the official pronunciation.

I will abide by their determination, and I will report back to you!!

- Uke Man