How Do You Spell ITHACA HOURS?

Pronunciation: [ˈɪθəkəɹ ˈa͡ʊ͡əz] (IPA)

The spelling of "Ithaca Hours" may seem a bit unusual, but it is actually quite straightforward when considering its pronunciation. The word "Ithaca" is pronounced as /ˈɪθəkə/, with the stress on the second syllable. Meanwhile, the word "hours" is pronounced as /ˈaʊərz/, with the stress on the first syllable. Therefore, the spelling of "Ithaca Hours" reflects its phonetic pronunciation, with the "h" in "Ithaca" indicating the stress on the second syllable and the "our" in "hours" representing the long "ow" sound.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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ITHACA HOURS Meaning and Definition

  1. Ithaca Hours refers to a local currency system implemented in Ithaca, a city in upstate New York, United States. It is a form of complementary currency that was established in 1991 by Paul Glover as an initiative to promote local economic sustainability and encourage community cooperation.

    Ithaca Hours are essentially paper notes, similar to traditional currency, except they are not legal tender and are only accepted within the Ithaca community. The currency is based on the idea of labor-backed value, where one Ithaca Hour is equivalent to one hour of work or service. This concept aims to emphasize the value of human effort and skills as compared to traditional currencies that rely on minerals, metals, or government backing.

    These unique local currency notes are accepted by a wide range of businesses and individuals within the Ithaca community. Local shops, restaurants, service providers, and even individuals offering personal services, can choose to accept Ithaca Hours as payment for goods or services rendered.

    The use of Ithaca Hours promotes and supports local businesses and the local economy by encouraging residents to shop and trade within the community. This alternative currency fosters community connection, cooperation, and self-reliance, thus increasing local resilience and reducing dependence on global economic systems.

    Overall, Ithaca Hours serves as a tool for building a strong, close-knit community, strengthening local businesses, and creating a sense of shared prosperity within the Ithaca area.

Etymology of ITHACA HOURS

The term "Ithaca Hours" originated from Ithaca, a city located in upstate New York, USA. It refers to a local currency system known as "Ithaca Hours", which was developed in 1991 by Paul Glover. The name "Ithaca Hours" was chosen to represent both the local nature of the currency and the concept of valuing time as a form of economic exchange. The etymology of the term itself is straightforward, deriving from the city's name and the concept of hours as units of time.