Word's ReadAloud incorrectly speaks double (f″(x)), triple (f‴(x)), and quadruple (f⁗(x)) prime notation in mathematical expressions
- Dominant language
- VBA
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Description
## Bug Description
When using the ReadAloud feature in Microsoft Word 365, it incorrectly speaks mathematical expressions containing double prime (″), triple prime (‴), and quadruple prime (⁗) notation.
Here is a video demonstrating the issue: [Video: ReadAloud Not Speaking Double, Triple, and Quadruple Prime Unicode Characters and Misreading Expressions Containing Them (4.5 minutes)](https://iu.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/t/1_q4tl5go0)
Here is the file used in the video:
[Examples of Prime Notation.docx](https://github.com/user-attachments/files/18156224/Examples.of.Prime.Notation.docx)
## Current Behavior
- Single prime (′) is read aloud correctly: "f\prime(x)" is spoken as "f prime of x"
- Double prime (″) is incorrectly read aloud: "f\pprime(x)" is spoken as "f to the open paren x close paren"
- Triple prime (‴) is incorrectly read aloud: "f\ppprime(x)" is spoken as "f to the open paren x close paren"
- Quadruple prime (⁗) is incorrectly read aloud: "f\pppprime(x)" is spoken as "f to the open paren x close paren"
## Expected Behavior
- "f\pprime(x)" (double prime) should be read as: "f double prime of x"
- "f\ppprime(x)" (triple prime) should be read as: "f triple prime of x"
- "f\pppprime(x)" (quadruple prime) should be read as: "f quadruple prime of x"
## Steps to Reproduce
1. Open Microsoft Word 365
2. Enter the following mathematical expressions using Equation Editor using the UnicodeMath format:
- `f(x) = x^5`
- `f\prime(x) = 5x^4`
- `f\pprime(x) = 20x^3`
- `f\ppprime(x) = 60x^2`
- `f\pppprime(x) = 120x`
3. Use Review tab to activate ReadAloud's default settings (Microsoft David)
4. Listen to how each expression is read
## Environment
- Microsoft Windows 11 (fresh build)
- Windows 11 Home Version 10.0.22631 Build 22631
- Microsoft Word 365 Version 2410 (Build 18129.20158 Click-to-Run) Current Channel
- Default ReadAloud settings
- Microsoft David voice
- Default reading speed
- macOS Sequoia
- macOS 15.1.1 MacBook Pro Apple M3 Pro
- Microsoft Word for Mac Version 16.92 (24120731), Microsoft 365 Subscription
- Default ReadAloud settings
- Reed (English (US))
- Default reading speed
## Impact
In mathematical and scientific contexts, derivative notation is common. The incorrect reading can lead to misunderstanding of mathematical concepts and formulas.
## Additional Notes
- The issue only affects multiple prime notation (double, triple, quadruple) using the Unicode characters for them
- Single prime notation is read correctly
- The behavior is consistent across Windows 11 and macOS tests
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