Learn How to Pronounce Toliara | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Toliara

Quick Answer: In Malagasy, the name Toliara is pronounced [tuliˈarə], and in French it is pronounced [tɔljaʁ].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Toliara, a major port city situated on the southwestern coast of Madagascar, serves as the vibrant capital of the Atsimo-Andrefana region. Founded as a French colonial settlement in the 17th century, Toliara (historically known as Tuléar) is a pivotal economic and tourism hub, famed for its proximity to the stunning coral reefs of the Mozambique Channel and its role as the primary gateway to the unique spiny forests and baobab avenues of the arid south. The city's economy is significantly driven by maritime activities, including the export of sisal, cotton, and petroleum products, while its academic presence is anchored by the University of Toliara. Tourists flock to the area for world-class snorkeling and diving at sites like the Great Reef of Toliara, visits to the nearby Arboretum d'Antsokay, and excursions to the otherworldly landscapes of Ifaty and Reniala Private Reserve, making it an essential destination for exploring Madagascar's biodiversity and coastal culture.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary alternative spelling for Toliara is the French colonial-era name, Tuléar, which remains in common use, particularly in older travel literature and international contexts. A frequent misspelling arises from direct transliteration, resulting in errors like "Tulear" (missing the acute accent) or "Toliary". The Malagasy spelling is consistently "Toliara," but the French influence leads to persistent use of the accented "Tuléar." Confusion also sometimes occurs with the phonetic spelling "Toliara" being mistakenly written as "Toliera" or "Toliaria". When searching for information, it is advisable to use both "Toliara" and "Tuléar" to ensure comprehensive results, as historical documents, dive operators, and scientific papers may use either designation.

Example Sentences

After a long drive through the spiny forest, we were relieved to finally arrive in the bustling coastal city of Toliara.

Many research expeditions studying Madagascar's unique flora and fauna are based out of the University of Toliara.

The vibrant markets of Toliara offer a stark contrast to the quiet, arid villages of the surrounding region.

For the best diving experience, local guides in Toliara recommend visiting the reef early in the morning.

Although often called Tuléar on older maps, the city's official name is now Toliara.

The port of Toliara handles a significant portion of the region's agricultural exports, particularly sisal and cotton.

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