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I'm not always a fan of Wikipedia, but their entry on Phở includes a sound file you can play to hear the pronunciation.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pho

I think it's the complex tone contour -- falling-rising -- that may give English speakers the impression that they are hearing two syllables.

Erik, would you say that it's like "fur?" pronounced by a Brit?

I tried to open that file earlier, in preparation for my reply to JeffB, but I couldn't get it to work. I still can't.

There's a wav. file floating around somewhere on the Web, too, but I can't find it.

Anyway, you make a good point with the British example.

E.M.

_________________
"Don't even touch my gold, I'm good."

Oh, I thought it was just me, not having the right software to play it. Okay, let's try this one:

http://www.hewnandhammered.com/pho/

About a screenful down, on the right, there is a link to a sound file for the pronunciation.

Some BBQ shops refer to this style as "Duck Pipa (pronounced pee-pah)" because the duck is splayed like the shape of a Chinese pipa, a four-string plucked lute.


Below is the image of a Pipa duck on the left vs standard roasted duck:

FYI,

Tank is closed for a month-long vacation. We stopped by on Sunday for lunch to find them temporarily shuttered. (I didn't write down the exact date of re-opening, but I remember it being near the end of March).

Fortunately, there are plenty of other options nearby and we had a delicious lunch at Thai Avenue.

Consider this a PSA: If you want to eat at Tank in March, call first.

Best,
Michael

Ahem, Tank reopens on the 18th of March.

I knew that I should've visited my optometrist for an eye exam while I was in Los Angeles...

E.M.

_________________
"Don't even touch my gold, I'm good."

They could use the vacation, seems like. Haven't been there a ton of times, but each time I have it's been quite busy and the same people have been there working their butts off. Good to know they're getting a break--even better to know they'll be back soon!