AI - Accent

Question

In what circumstances is AI pronounced as é and not è?

Accepted Answer

Bonjour Avasies,
This is a very interesting question. It will depend on where you are based in France and also where you grew up in France.
To supplement Jim's excellent answer, follow the links below: 
Devrais - Devrai    /    pronunciation of 'ai'   /   AI and AIS (partner website)
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !

Answer

Hi Avasies,For é  think of the English pronunciation of the word "bear"    French example "année"For è  think of the English pronunciation of the word "bed"    French example "père"Hope this helps.Sorry I've just realised that I have not fully answered your question.This issue has been discussed comprehensively by me and others in the recent past but try as I might I cannot find the link for you. Basically, it is similar to what I have written at the start of this post "bear" and "bed" still apply for endings ais and ai    --  Like "bed" for the first and "bear" for the second but there are regional variations and not all Francophones agree with my suggestions. Hopefully, a moderator will be able to locate the previous discussions for you.Jim

Answer

Thank you! That was very helpful.