The English Language

So I'm taking Tamil and I'm learning each day more and more about how inconsistent the English language is. At least in terms of punctuation. Of course, I knew this before but now I'm trying to view it from the perspective of an immigrant who is trying to learn the language. And I could only imagine that the experience would be hellish. Anyway, here is something that my Tamil instructor showed us in class:

Note the pronunciation of the underlined parts:
cough
nation
women

Now with these sounds I'm going to create another English word. Say it outloud and you'll understand:
ghoti

What word is that? Hint hint: It lives underwater. Get it?