Ep. 9 - Dr. Jacques Bailly
Updated: Jun 24, 2020
"People think that there’s so much pressure on these kids. But you wouldn’t believe the joy when they hear that they’re going to get on tv. People think that’s pressure, but no, that is a reward for them."
A classics professor at the University of Vermont, Dr. Jacques Bailly serves as the pronouncer at the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee. A former champion speller himself, Dr. Bailly explains what goes into his role at the event, from introducing the words to supplying additional information such as definitions and language of origin to helping put the spellers at east to allow them to enjoy the event. In this episode, Dr. Bailly explains how the supplemental information he can provide helps the spellers, how much the spellers are supportive of each other and he will share a number of words that were fascinating to learn.
(Photos by Mark Bowen/Scripps National Spelling Bee)
Below are Show Notes for Dr. Jacques Bailly
What Does a Spelling Be Pronouncer Do?, Merriam Webster
Scripps National Spelling BeeÂ
90 Years of Winning Words (Video)
1980 Runner up Paige (Pipken) Kimble is today Executive Director of Scripps National Spelling Bee
Dr. Brian Sietsema profile in NY Times (1993)
Numnah used in 2008 Spelling BeeÂ
French playwright Victorien Sardou
Sardoodledom used in 2007 Spelling BeeÂ
Importance of schwa with Dr. Bailly and Dr. Seitsema (Video)
University of Vermont Department of ClassicsÂ
After 16 years, backup spelling bee pronouncer gets his shot, Associated PressÂ
List of English words with Hawaiian origin, Wikipedia Â
List of German expressions in English, WikipediaÂ
List of English words of Afrikaans origin, WikipediaÂ
Dr. Bailly on WikipediaÂ
SET PIECES
Marcus Aurelius Mediations
ZenoÂ
A New Stoicism by Lawrence Becker
The Stoic Life by Tad Brennan
New Bee trophy, Cincinnati Enquirer