Pronunciation

How do you pronounce Duquesne?

Doo-KENS?
Doo-KANE?
Doo-Kez-Knee?

Something else??

 

#2 is correct.

 

I'd have chosen #3... after all, it does end with the "esne"...

 

I would have thought it was pronounced due keen.

 

Me too, but it seems #2 is indeed correct (if those were the only options). Ted would be right as well. For anyone who understands this, straight from Wikipedia:

 

Thanks for the replies, I was actually thinking #3 was the right one. I guess i am wrong. Thanks again.

 

I called the University, and I heard they said, "DOO KEESN"

 

The reason for the seemingly oddball pronunciation (sp?) is that the name Duquesne University ultimately derives from the colonial French Fort Duquesne which was built on the site of modern day Pittsburgh during the French and Indian War (1754-1763). Hence, French rules of pronunciation (sp?) apply.

As a further historical tidbit, the English General Edward Braddock (who had a subordinate officer named Colonel George Washington) was killed at the Battle of Fort Duquesne during the French and Indian War. The English and the colonials apparently ran their wagons over General Braddock's grave very well in an attempt to compact the dirt over his grave well enough that the Indians wouldn't be able to find his body and desecrate it.