How are the following names pronounced? Most of them I know, but I just want to make sure.

Don Croce
Trezza (pronounced like the z in pizza or gazza?)
Stefan (Steh-fan, or Stee-fahn?)
Buccilla (Buchilla right?)
Nattore

that's it! I'm just unsure about proper Sicilian pronunciation.

Cro-ch-eh

Tz sound for the zz

I would say Steh-fan

Bu-Chi-lla

Nat-or-reh

The biggest rule really in knowing simple Italian pronunciation is for use with the 'C'. Do you say C or Ch? Experts may eloborate on this but here is the basic simple rule:

C's followed by I's and E's make the Chi or Che sounds. Most others the C remains as normal.

Italians tend to pronounce the last vowels in words. Take the word 'Pronounce' for example. The 'ce at the end would make a che sound.

Ah thanks turi, appreciate it mate. BTW what part of england do you live in?

North Lincolnshire, not the best of places. You ever visit, just look poor and keep your valuables safe.

Ah right gotcha. I'm a Surrey boy myself, well, since I was 9. I'll bear your advice in mind if I ever find myself in North Lincolnshire!

Ciao to my Britsh friends...

BTW, Turi, you had dibs on Giuliano's avatar since you're further up in seniority. If you want me to give it up I will.

The letter "C" is always pronounced "CH",unless it is sandwiched between two vowels, then it is pronounced "K", as in Bruculino. Now in the case of double cc it can be pronounced two ways, "CH" as in Susan Lucci, or "K" as in Lucca. If an "A" proceeds a double c it is always the "K" sound. If you have a "ch" it is always "K".

Is that clear? Minchia!

Rosario, feel free to use which ever avatar you so wish and feel comfortable with. I was a bit shocked to see you use it at first but now i'm used to it. It was originally a custom avatar specially used for me in the beginning though.

Thanks guys, that proves pretty useful! How about Ciro Citterio then...? I've read what you said, but I'm not sure; are both the C's CH's? Or am I just not paying attention enough...

In that case, Researcher, the "C" would only be "CH" if a vowel preceded it. So it is pronounced as an "S", I believe. Don't forget that in every language there are exceptions to grammar rules.

Mick