How Do You Spell GUADALCANAL?

Pronunciation: [ɡwɑːdˈalkənə͡l] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Guadalcanal" is an interesting one phonetically. In IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet), it is transcribed as /ˌɡwɑdəlˈkænəl/. The first part, "Guad," is pronounced with a silent 'u' and as a glide, forming a semi-vowel sound /w/. The second part, "alcanal," is pronounced with a stress on the second syllable, with a short 'a' sound /æ/ and a long 'a' sound /eɪ/. Putting the two parts together, this word forms a complex but accurate phonetic spelling that represents its original Spanish pronunciation.

GUADALCANAL Meaning and Definition

  1. Guadalcanal is a noun that refers to a tropical island located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is part of the Solomon Islands, an archipelago located northeast of Australia. The term "Guadalcanal" can have several meanings, encompassing both geographical and historical contexts.

    Geographically, Guadalcanal is a volcanic island known for its lush rainforests, stunning natural landscapes, and diverse wildlife. It has a mountainous terrain, with Mount Popomanaseu being the highest peak, reaching approximately 7,900 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level. The island is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, with many pristine beaches and coral reefs dotting its coastline.

    Historically, Guadalcanal holds great significance due to the eponymous Battle of Guadalcanal, which took place during World War II. It was a major military campaign fought between the Allied forces, primarily the United States, and the Empire of Japan, from August 1942 to February 1943. The battle marked a turning point in the Pacific War, halting Japanese expansion and eventually leading to their retreat. Guadalcanal was chosen as a strategic location due to its proximity to Australia and its airfield, known as Henderson Field, which played a crucial role in the conflict.

    In summary, Guadalcanal refers to an island in the Solomon Islands, known for its natural beauty and historical significance as the site of the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II.

Common Misspellings for GUADALCANAL

Etymology of GUADALCANAL

The word "Guadalcanal" has its roots in Spanish. It is believed to be derived from the Arabic phrase "Wādī al-Kānāt", which means "the Valley of the Canoes" or "Canoes River". The Arabic term comes from the combination of "Wādī", meaning "river" or "valley", and "al-Kānāt", which refers to "canoes" or "small boats". During the Moorish occupation of Spain, many Arabic words and elements entered the Spanish vocabulary, and some of those words were later used in Spanish colonial ventures. When the Spanish colonized the Solomon Islands and discovered the large river on the island of Guadalcanal, they named it "Río de Guadalcanal", meaning "River of Guadalcanal". Over time, the name of the river was adopted to refer to the entire island.

Similar spelling word for GUADALCANAL

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: