How to pronounce BELIZE?

How to pronounce BELIZE?
 

Hola a todos! A friend and I are debating the correct pronunciation of the country of Belize/Belice. I feel confident that, in proper Spanish, it should always be pronounced "bay LEE say," while my pal contends that it's like the English "bay LEESE." :thinking:

I'm hoping that a few folks will kindly post in this thread with their thoughts. I'd be especially appreciative to hear from those who've spent time in Belize!

Mil gracias!

scott in maine

It's 'beh LEESE'. The country's official language is English, and the name is pronounced in English. I haven't been to Belize, but was in a neighboring country.

You could use the word Belice is the most correct.


I hope this can help you.

In Spanish it's Belice; in English it's Belize. I'm pretty sure English is the official/main language spoken in Belize, along with Spanish and other languages.

In Spain we way Belice, and "c" is pronounced /z/.

belize
 

i have spoken with several people from belize. they all pronounced
it "bey LEEZ".

hermit

Yes, I grasp understand you, but I'm pretty sure that in English should to be used of with the letter C instead of Z, also I have heard in Belice is spoken the Belizeño English, really I don't know as it's spoken never in my main life. I have to listened speak to the people out.


Well perhaps I'd like to know as is spoken the Belizeño English, Is spoken it like the normal English?:)


But David you should believe me, the word Belize is pronounced of the same way than Spanish, I can recommending you if you use the letter C instead of Z. So it goings sound better.