How to Pronounce Newfoundland Like a Local

How to Pronounce Newfoundland

Have you ever wondered how to pronounce Newfoundland properly? We had the help of a local to get this right!

Newfoundland and Labrador is a Canadian province located on the east coast of North America and is known for its rugged beauty, rich history, and friendly residents.

However, despite its prominence, many people are unsure of how to correctly say the name of this province.

We thoroughly enjoyed our week-long visit to this amazing province. We even lucked out and were able to spend some time with friends of the family who are born and raised Newfoundlanders.

So our research for this particular post couldn’t get any more authentic!

In the post, we will break down how to pronounce Newfoundland, as well as provide some tips for saying it correctly.

So whether you’re planning a visit to the province or just want to sound informed when discussing it, this post will give you the knowledge you need to confidently say “Newfoundland”!

How to Pronounce Newfoundland?

Newfoundland and Labrador is actually one province located in Atlantic Canada. Newfoundland is the island portion, while Labrador is the mainland portion attached to the province of Quebec.

For the purpose of this post, we will still to the pronunciation of Newfoundland, as Labrador is pretty easy.

Many people will look at the word Newfoundland and wonder how such a debate over its pronunciation is even possible.

But we are here to tell you, you can definitely say it wrong. And not just a little wrong, but epically so!

So before we get to how to say Newfoundland like a local, let’s cover how NOT to say it. Trust me, it will help get you on the right track!

How NOT to Pronounce Newfoundland

Isn’t New-Found-Land Correct?

At first glance, the word Newfoundland looks like a pretty easy word to say. Break it down into syllables and you get New-found-land. Simple right?

Wrong! If you were to head to this wonderful province and pronounce it New-found-land in front of the locals, they would IMMEDIATELY know you were a tourist!

Would they laugh or point at you? No. Newfoundlanders are an amazing community of people, and some of the kindest Canadians out there.

Is Newfoundland and New Finland the Same?

When researching for this post, we had no idea that saying “New Finland” in place of “Newfoundland” was even a thing.

The sounds are similar, but where the stress is placed on the word is not. With the word “Newfoundland” the stress is on the first syllable, so NEW-foundland.

New Finland on the other hand, has the stress placed on the second word, so New FINLAND.

These words are completely different, so definitely DO NOT say New Finland when trying to pronounce Newfoundland!

Is New-Fund-land Correct?

No! New-fund-land is most definitely NOT the correct pronunciation! Neither is New-fundland for that matter!

How Do You Pronounce Newfoundland Like a Local?

So how do you pronounce Newfoundland like a local? Easy. It should sound similar to the way you pronounce “understand“.

The word will be broken down into two syllables, rather than three, with the emphasis still on the first syllable. So you would say Newfin-lan or better yet, Noof’n-lan.

Don’t try to separate Newfoundland into two (or three) distinct words. It is correctly pronounced as a single word. Understand. Newfoundland.

Locals say the word pretty quickly too!

Notice that BOTH “Ds” have been dropped? I was told by a local that this is how the name of the province is pronounced in a casual setting or conversation.

However, if they are speaking in a more formal setting, the locals will pronounce the second “d”. So you would get Newfin-land or Noof’n-land.

What Was Newfoundland’s Old Name?

Newfoundland was originally known as “Terra Nova“ by the early European explorers.

Terra Nova, which is Latin (and Portuguese) for “New Land,” was given to the island by Giovanni Caboto (also known as John Cabot), an Italian explorer who is credited with being the first European to reach the island in 1497.

The name “Newfoundland” was also used in early maps and reports, but it was not officially adopted as the name of the island until much later.

🌳 Fun Fact: Newfoundland is home to 2 of Canada’s 48 National Parks. One of these parks is called Terra Nova after Newfoundland’s original name.

How to say Newfoundland in French?

Ok. So now that you know how to say Newfoundland like a local, you can also learn how to say it in French! After all, Canada is a bilingual country with two official languages.

The French name for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador is “Terre-Neuve et Labrador”. In French, Terre-Neuve, like Terra Nova, is the translation for “Newfoundland.”

Labrador is kept in its original form as it is a word that was borrowed from the Portuguese. Together, the name Terre-Neuve et Labrador is pronounced as Ter Nuh-vuh eh Luh-bruh-dor.

What are People from Newfoundland Called?

Newfie (also Newf or sometimes Newfy) is a colloquial term used by Canadians for someone who is from Newfoundland.

People from the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador are commonly referred to as “Newfoundlanders” or “Newfies.”

The term Newfie is not considered offensive by most Newfoundlanders, but it can be used in a derogatory way by some people. So it is best to use the term Newfoundlander to be safe.

People from Labrador, the mainland part of the province, are also sometimes called “Labradorians.”

It’s worth noting that although Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are proud of their distinct identity and culture, they will often refer to themselves simply as “Newfoundlanders.”

Do They Speak English in Newfoundland?

Yes. English is the main language spoken in Newfoundland and Labrador.

In fact, Newfoundland and Labrador is considered the most homogeneous province in Canada with approximately 98 percent of the population naming English as their sole language.

Because French is also an official language of Canada, you will find that there is a small minority of the Francophone population in the province, mostly concentrated in the city of St. John’s.

People also love to joke, that the native Newfoundlander’s dialect and accent are so thick, that they almost sound as though they are speaking another language!

What is the Newfoundland Accent Called?

Newfoundland English is often called Newfinese.

Newfinese is a very distinct dialect of English and can be easily recognizable to those familiar with it. In Fact, you won’t find it spoken anywhere else in Canada.

Newfoundland-Cabot-Tower-views-overlooking-St-Johns

Why was Newfoundland Not a Part of Canada?

Newfoundland was not originally a part of Canada because it was a separate British colony prior to Confederation in 1867.

The colony was established in the late 16th century and was ruled by the British for several centuries, during which time it developed its own government, economy, and culture.

However, the island’s economy was heavily dependent on the fishing industry, which faced many challenges during the late 19th century, and early 20th century.

This led to a severe economic depression and the colony was unable to sustain itself.

The colony entered a period of financial crisis which ultimately led to a suspension of responsible government in 1934.

In 1948, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador voted to join Canada.

But it wasn’t until March 31, 1949, when after one of the closest votes in Canadian politics, Newfoundland and Labrador officially joined Canada, becoming its 10th province.

Joining Canada provided the people of Newfoundland and Labrador with a stable government, social services, and economic opportunities.

Why is Newfoundland so Important to Canada?

Newfoundland and Labrador play an important role in Canada for a number of reasons.

Firstly, the province is rich in natural resources, particularly in the fishing and oil and gas industries, which provide significant economic benefits to Canada as a whole.

The fishing industry has played a major role in the economy and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador for centuries.

The oil and gas industry has become an increasingly important sector in recent years.

⛯ Fun Fact: The capital city of Newfoundland, St. John’s, which is located on the eastern part of the island, is closer to the coast of Ireland than it is to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Secondly, Newfoundland and Labrador is strategically located on the east coast of Canada, providing a crucial link to Europe and other international markets.

The province is home to Canada’s easternmost point and has several major ports and airports that serve as gateways to the rest of the country and the world.

Thirdly, the province has played a significant role in Canada’s military history.

Not only was Newfoundland and Labrador a key location in World War II, but the province is also home to the 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown, which is one of the country’s largest military bases.

Newfoundland-Cape-Spear-Easternmost-Point-in-North-America

Fourthly, Newfoundland and Labrador is also known for its rich cultural heritage, which has greatly contributed to Canada’s identity.

The province is home to many artists, writers, and musicians that have had a significant impact on the country’s arts and culture scene.

Is Newfoundland More Irish or Scottish?

Newfoundland has a unique cultural heritage that has been shaped by a variety of influences, including Irish and Scottish.

According to the Statistics Canada 2016 census, 20.7% of Newfoundlanders claim Irish ancestry (other major groups in the province include 37.5% English, 6.8% Scottish, and 5.2% French).

The Irish have had a significant presence in Newfoundland since the early 17th century when many Irish immigrants came to the island as fishermen and settlers.

Newfoundland-LAnse-aux-Meadows-National-Historic-Site

They brought with them their own customs, traditions, and culture, which have had a lasting impact on the island’s culture.

Scottish immigrants, on the other hand, started arriving in Newfoundland in the early 18th century.

They were mostly merchants, traders, and professionals, and they also brought their own customs and traditions.

Both the Irish and Scottish have influenced the culture, language, and cuisine of Newfoundland. You can find traditional Irish and Scottish music, dance, and festivals being celebrated all over the province.

Today, it’s common to find people of Newfoundland who identify as having both Irish and Scottish heritage.

Is Newfoundland the Coldest Region in Canada?

Newfoundland and Labrador is not generally considered to be the coldest province in Canada.

While the province does experience cold temperatures in the winter, it is typically not as cold as some of the other regions further inland or in the far north, such as Nunavut, Yukon, or Manitoba.

The coast of Newfoundland is warmed by the Gulf Stream which makes the temperature milder than in other places at the same latitude.

That being said, temperatures can vary greatly depending on location and elevation, and some areas of the province may experience colder temperatures than others.

Why is Newfoundland so Special?

Newfoundland and Labrador is a unique and special place for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons is its geography and natural beauty.

The province is known for its rugged coastline, picturesque fishing villages, and stunning landscapes.

The provincial capital of St. John’s is among the oldest cities in North America.

Newfoundland is home to two National Parks, with Gros Morne National Park being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The province also features a diverse range of wildlife, including caribou, moose, and the endangered Newfoundland marten.

Newfoundland-Gros-Morne-National-Park-Red-Chairs

Another reason why Newfoundland and Labrador is such a special place is because of their rich history and culture.

The Newfoundlander accent, music, and cuisine are also considered distinct in Canada.

The province has a long maritime history and has been home to many different cultures, including the Indigenous Beothuk, the French, the English, the Irish, and even the Vikings, which has led to a diverse and unique cultural heritage.

What are Newfoundland’s People Like?

Newfoundlanders are definitely known for being friendly, welcoming and outgoing people. They have a strong sense of community and are very proud of their culture and heritage.

Newfoundlanders are known for their warmth and hospitality and enjoy welcoming visitors to their province.

They are also known for their unique sense of humour, unique accents, and for their love of storytelling.

Newfoundlanders have a distinct culture and way of life, shaped by their rugged and isolated geography, maritime history, and close-knit communities.

Many Newfoundlanders are also known for their strong work ethic, especially those in the fishing and oil industry.

Overall, Newfoundlanders are seen as resilient, friendly, and down-to-earth people.

Can You Take a Ferry From Newfoundland to France?

Technically, yes! You can actually take a ferry from Newfoundland to the French-owned islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.

The islands are located just off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, in the North Atlantic Ocean.

The distance between the province and the islands varies depending on the location, but it’s generally around 15 to 20 kilometres (10 to 12 miles) away.

While Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are an overseas collectivity of France, they are also the last remnants of the French colonial empire in North America.

Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are connected with Newfoundland and Labrador by a long history, shared culture, fishing and trade, and by frequent interactions between the two places.

Final Thoughts on How to Pronounce Newfoundland Like a Local

We hope that we have cleared the air about how to pronounce Newfoundland correctly and like a local.

With this knowledge, you should be able to confidently say “Newfoundland” in any conversation.

Remember to practice saying it correctly and soon it will come naturally to you. We hope this post has been informative, helpful, and maybe even a little fun.

And hopefully, you will also have the opportunity to visit this wonderful province someday!