alea iacta est pronunciation: How to pronounce alea iacta

I would say there are 4 levels of vocabulary, or groups of words, based on who can speak/understand and use them correctly. First 2 levels are usually accessible to non-Native speakers, first 3 levels to native speakers, and level 4 are either words that very few people know about or they are very technical, and useful only for specialists, experts in certain flields.
The interesting observation is that non-native speakers are really comfortable only in level 1... in level 2 they start having problems.
And the level 3 is the easiest way to distinguish native from non-native speakers. Natives will easily know almost all words in that category, and non natives will hardly know any word from that category.
So here we go:
Level 1: Universally accessible words that non natives learn easily and usually pronounce correctly as well.
Examples: car, cimena, snow, entertainment, introduction, temperature, important, stimulation, neglected, disappointed, painting, loud, wall, sock, kitchen, coffee, open, climb, throw, think, press, push, pull, make, catch, hunt, explain, greed, jealous, pretend...
Level 2: Words that non-natives can usually understand perfectly well and recognize them in writing, but have no clue how to pronounce them correctly in an English way- or their pronunciation is heavly influenced by the way these words are pronounced in their own language (because these words aren't new to them, they already know them from other languages, but they don't know how to pronounce them in English). It's also worth noting that learning pronunciation of such words can be exceptionally difficult, because if you pronounced "hepatitis" as /hepa'titis/ your entire life... it's difficult to switch to /ˌhep.əˈtaɪ.t̬əs/
Examples: paracetamol, Archimedes, hepatitis, encephalitis, meningitis, Ebola, leukaemia, mitochondrion, chromosome, cirrostratus, cumulonimbus, metaphor, onomatopoeia, synecdoche, anthropomorphism, synesthesia, reductio ad absurdum, non sequitur, alea iacta est, cogito ergo sum, Seneca, Cicero, Descartes, Copernicus, Spinoza, Galileo, photosynthesis, chlorophyll, Vis-à-vis, apropos , alibi
Level 3: words referring to very simple and commonly used, but very specific things or practices from everyday life, which are often mentioned offline in real life, but rarely online... (however, they can be often mentioned in fiction, because fiction deals with life... but reading fiction doesn't usually help much with acquiring such vocabulary, because knowing these words is often irrelevant to the plot and dynamics between characters, so even if you read, you'll probably skip looking up these words and continue reading, as to not interrupt the flow of reading)
The interesting thing about this category which I call "Level 3" is that native speakers easily know almost all of these words... they take it for granted, while non-native speakers hardly know any of them!
These words often refer to things you have at your home, cooking, car maintanence, clothes, nature... generally physical world, various practices, and material culture - things that are common experience of most people - so this category excludes specialist vocabulary. Those are words you'll definitely NEED if you put your foot on Anglophone land, but you'll wonder how come you don't know them, like - at all!
On this level, we witness by far the biggest difference between native and non native speakers. Examples:
sandpaper, chamois (or shammy), little trees (for car), soldering iron, rinse cycle, simmering, poaching, oak, birch, stork, lynx, hedgehog, skunk (animal), pliers, fuse, collar, sleeve, sole, hangnail, blackhead, gill, scales, nut (small metal tools), wedge, tag (game), Simon says (game), jumpsies, hopscotch, brewery, mare (female horse), foal (young horse) ...
Those are words, in my opinion, extremely easy for natives, but very rarely, non-natives know them.
Level 4: words no one (except experts in specific fields) cares about, or other rare, archaic, obscure words, that you don't need to know... and that natives rarely know as well...
Examples: linothorax, barding, holor, tessarect, singleton, affine space, etc...
So my theory is that non natives thrive only on level 1. On level 2 they struggle with pronunciation. On level 3 they have serious lexical gaps.
Native speakers, on the other hand, find first 3 levels very easy... only on level 4 they have problems - but level 4 isn't useful anyway except for experts... Level 3 is most useful for telling natives from non-natives.
In my opinion non-natives need to work seriously on levels 2 and 3 if they want to approach the level of natives, and especially if they want to move to an English speaking country, or to work seriously in English, like writing, doing science, being translators, etc...
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"Somewhere something incredible is waiting to be known." - Carl Sagan

While Graeme was taking his impromptu swim, Kurt and Khadijeh retrieved the beacon in orbit over Tangaroa. Once again there were no surprises, and once the data core was removed they got to work comparing it to the others. By time the shuttle docked with Magellan, Khadijeh had gleamed a small bit of information from the device.
“Roughly forty years ago, between the attacks on Eden and Earth,” she informed the Captain. “That’s when the squids got hit.”
“They’re not ‘Squids’,” Graeme insisted, “though they are similar. That’s why I’m dubbing them ‘Cephaloids’.”
“Not very imaginative,” Teréz teased.
“I’ve had a rough day, alright?” he shot back, before shrugging. “Look, they’re not all going to be gems. Besides, it sounded better than ‘Hexapus’.”
“If we could move this along, please?” Will prompted. “What’s our next step?”
“We put the gauntlets on Teréz, and hope one of our new friends gets curious enough to check out the probe,” the Astrobiologist explained. “As soon as they touch the sensor plate with one of their tentacles, she should be able to make contact.”
“Will we need to grab them when they do, like we did with the Bathyn?” he asked.
“Maybe, though I’d like to avoid that,” Graeme said firmly. “Look what happened the last time.”
“That poor Bathyn was really terrified,” Teréz said with feeling.
“The mission is what’s important here,” Will reminded them, “and if we have to spook one of them to make contact, then we’ll do it. I’m sure they’ll get over it eventually.”
Graeme and Teréz both looked unhappy at that, but the Captain was adamant. “Get the link prepped. The sooner we can start talking to them, the better.”
While the Telepath was being strapped into her chair and fitted with the gauntlets, Kurt activated the probe’s cameras and sensors. Since it was in shallow water the visibility was good, and soon individual Cephaloids could be seen hovering in the distance, obviously both curious and wary about the intruder in their realm. As some of them drifted closer it soon became clear Graeme’s description was accurate...six thick tentacles arranged symmetrically around a blue mottled body. What looked like a mouth was centrally located underneath, while two rows of four eyes each lined the ventral ridge. They jetted through the water easily, just like squid and octopus back on Earth, and while they edged steadily closer none seemed prepared to actually touch the probe.
“It appears this may take some time,” Kurt pointed out, stating the obvious.
“What we need is bait,” Eli said with a feral grin. “Maybe we should have tied a fish to it.”
“Little late for that, I’m afraid,” Graeme sighed. “Besides, we don’t know if their body chemistry is compatible.”
“Maybe we could try music again,” Khadijeh suggested. “It worked the last time.”
“It’s worth a try,” Will nodded. “Kurt, have something you can send out to them?”
“Hmm...something that would interest creatures of the sea…” He tapped his chin thoughtfully, before finally smiling. “I believe I have something they may enjoy.” He tapped out a few commands on his console, and soon gentle soothing music began to play in the water. “The Oceanides, by Sibelius,” he explained.
“I don’t know if it’ll translate,” Will said dubiously, “but at least it should get their attention.”
The Cephaloids reaction was almost immediate. They froze in place, hovering in the water, focusing their attention on the probe...as the skin of every one of the aliens began to pulse and ripple in a riot of colors.
“Chromatophores,” Graeme whispered in amazement, “just like Cuttlefish on Earth. Incredible!”
“Are they trying to communicate with the probe?” Will asked, mesmerized like the others at the display.
“It’s definitely possible,” Graeme nodded, “although it could just be a threat response. Trying to make themselves look more intimidating.”
“I’d say your idea is working,” Soo-Jin said carefully, “It looks like they’ve decided to investigate.”
Sure enough, the Cephaloids had begun to drift closer to the probe, still cautious, but they were definitely interested in the source of the music. They circled around the device while slowly tightening the noose, close enough to lend support to each other should it be necessary, yet still able to escape.
“Kurt, prep the snare,” Will said quietly. The Engineer nodded, while Graeme gave him a pleading look. But after the events earlier on the planet, their Captain would not be swayed. They still had a mission to complete, and they couldn’t afford to play Marine Biologist for the next year trying to get the Cephaloids to talk.
Finally, a handful of the bravest aliens began to physically explore the probe with their tentacles. “Get ready, Teréz,” Will warned her, as they moved in closer...until finally one of them sprung the trap.
Teréz screamed.
Will and Khadijeh were at her side in a heartbeat, as she fell limp back in her chair. “I...didn’t get a chance,” she stammered, “...they’re gone.”
Their attention had been pulled away from the monitors by Teréz’s shriek, but when they looked back the display was empty, with not a Cephaloid in sight. “Did the trap fail?” Will asked Kurt.
The Engineer checked his readouts, and shook his head. “It appears to have worked as designed,” he informed him, “but for some reason it was unable to hold them.”
“No...it held them alright,” Graeme said in a shaken voice, “...all too well.” He pointed at the monitor, where a ragged hunk of flesh caught by the probe now wavered in the currents.
“If a predator grabs an octopus’ tentacle, it can detach the limb,” he said quietly. “Apparently, yet another trait our friends share with their cousins back on Earth.”
“There’s no way they’ll come back now,” Eli said emphatically, “unless it’s to destroy the probe. In their minds it’s a proven threat.”
“Fuck,” Will cursed, as he slumped back into his chair. “That’s it then. We’ll never be able to coax them back for another attempt. Eli’s right, they’ll avoid another probe like the plague.”
“There must be something we can do,” Soo-Jin said desperately. “We’ve come too far to just...give up.”
“There is,” Teréz said quietly.
Will turned to face her. “What do you mean?”
She began stripping off her gauntlets. “I go back down to the planet, and make contact physically. Just like I did with the Gaians.”
Fontana shook his head. “Forget it, it’s too dangerous. I’m not willing to risk it.”
Teréz rose to her feet. “You said it yourself, the mission comes first...and we’re all out of options.” She shrugged, “Soo-Jin said we can breathe the air, and that the temperature is comfortable. Captain, I can do this.”
Will stood up to face her. “You also heard Graeme tell us there could be any number of microbes that could kill you...and that’s not counting all the other dangers. What if they decide to drag you under like they did him?”
Kurt cleared his throat. “Captain, I could easily modify one of our helmets to act as breathing device, along with a tank for air. It would allow us to track and communicate with her, in case she was pulled underwater.”
He gave his Engineer a dark look as his objection was shot down. “Fine...you won’t drown. What about predators? Obviously there’s something out there that the Cephaloid fear, otherwise they wouldn't have left an arm behind.”
“I can go with her,” Eli pointed out. “I’m fairly certain I can keep her safe.”
Will looked around the bridge at his crew, and realized they were all pinning their hopes on Teréz. He closed his eyes, and said quietly, “You realize you’d have to go back into quarantine,” he told her, “and there won’t be any time off for good behavior this time around.”
“I understand,” she said softly.
He could feel his teeth grinding as he faced the decision he desperately did not want to make. So far, they’d been lucky. No serious injuries, and thankfully no fatalities...but just how long could their luck hold out?
“...very well,” he said at last. “Get prepped for the mission.”
It took a full day to prepare. The modified diving helmet and scuba gear was simple enough, but for the first time Eli brought out some of his own equipment. The standard suits they wore weren’t necessary for the temperate water environment, and since he’d be acting as her protector he wanted something that would give him a bit more flexibility. As it turned out he’d brought quite a bit of equipment along for the mission...including a fully-sealed jet black drysuit with helmet. He donned it for inspection, and after a few minor alterations Kurt pronounced it acceptable. It would allow him to swim easily, and keep in contact, not to mention able to use the other goodies he hauled out for the mission.
The diving knife was fairly standard, but the pneumatic speargun was anything but. Standard weapons were completely useless underwater, and given his role going armed was a regrettable necessity. They’d made it this far without resorting to violence, and Will desperately hoped it wouldn’t be required here. As he stood there casually holding the sleek, deadly-looking speargun, Will realized for the first time he was truly seeing the Ghost. No one in their right mind would willingly go up against him, and should he decide someone was a threat...
The return trip to Tangaroa was made in silence. Every fiber of his being screamed out that this was wrong...and yet he had no other options to offer. If they wanted to make contact with the Cephaloids, there simply was no other way.
Once they landed they made their way back to the beach. Nekesa had suggested trying a new location, but in the end they decided it was better to own up to their mistakes than blithely pretend to a new group they had never happened. What if word got around?
Teréz wore a simple one-piece swimsuit, with the helmet and tank. A belt fit snugly over her hips that would help with buoyancy, and for protection her feet were covered with thick-soled dive socks, along with a detachable pair of fins she carried in her hand.
Other than that, her only protection was Eli...and if there were any deadly germs floating around, she was already exposed.
Will looked into her eyes, and asked simply, “Are you ready?” There would be no last minute pleas for her to change her mind, not now. They’d come too far for second thoughts.
Alea iacta est...”The Die is Cast”.
She gave a quick nod in reply, not trusting her voice. Even though it had been her idea from the start, it was obvious she was terrified. Will turned and looked over at Eli, who nodded as well...though in his case it was more of a formal salute before entering battle.
“Eli will keep you safe,” he promised, “and we’ll be right here in constant communication.” Will smiled at her, giving her a bit of warmth he did not feel, before placing his gloved hand on her shoulder. “Good luck.”
“...thank you,” she said quietly, as she began wading into the ocean, with Eli on her flank. By time they got waist deep the Israeli slipped under the water and disappeared from sight, but they knew he was nearby. As the water hit chest level she activated the flotation device and began to bob along the surface, her eyes casting about for any sign of the Cephaloids, her breathing heavy on the radio.
“You’re doing great,” Will said encouragingly.
“...this was a really stupid idea,” she mumbled, making the others chuckle nervously, when Eli suddenly spoke up.
“...I’ve got movement,” he said calmly. “Definitely the squids...and they’re lit up like Christmas trees.”
“Do not engage,” Will ordered. It was a huge risk after what happened, but once again they simply had no other choice.
“I can see them,” Teréz said apprehensively. “They’re getting closer.”
“Just let them come to you,” he said in even tones. “Be ready to make contact the instant they touch you.”
“Understood,” she replied, as she slowly tread water.
“They’re circling her now,” Eli reported. “Not coming anywhere near me though.”
“...they know a predator when they see one,” Graeme said cynically, prompting a chuckle from the Israeli.
Her breathing got faster and louder, almost hyperventilating, and then a sharp squeak came over the radio...as she suddenly went very still.
“Teréz! Are you alright?” Will all but shouted into the mic.
There were several long moments of silence, and then...she began to speak.
Strange sky beings come
Creatures of land, tool users
Are they friend, or foe?
Will let out the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. “Fontana to Magellan,” he said over the mic, “...Contact.”
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