Biblical Hebrew Forum

["George Athas" <gathas AT hotkey.net.au>]

The samekh is a rounder "s" sound. If I can describe it this way: Put your 
mouth in position to
make an "r" sound but make an "s" sound instead. It's similar to our English 
"s", but with a bit of
a whistle quality to it.

With sin, it is a much more sibilant sound, similar to modern Arabac sad (ie, 
tsadhe). Put your
mouth in position for "th" (as in "think"), but say "s". It should come out 
as a hissing sound,
almost like a "th", but distinct from "th". You should feel very snake-like 
as you pronounce it.
:)


Best regards,

GEORGE ATHAS
(Sydney, Australia)