TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Kelly Burhenne said:
> Most people know what an umlaut is. I've even heard it referred to on
> TV shows (I think I recall an episode of "Ellen"). However, are we all
> using this term incorrectly? Are we confusing an umlaut with a
> diaeresis (alternate spelling: dieresis)?
Yes. Umlaut is language-specific.
> It seems to me that we should really be using the term "diaeresis"
> commonly. Most people are referring to pronouncing the vowel
> separately when using the term, no?
Yes. But I don't think this is a serious problem. I say 'umlaut' even
though I know better, because no one knows what I mean when I say
'dieresis'. I think of it like octothorp and pound sign.
