PRONUNCIATION

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27273, 13 February 1954, Page 3

PRONUNCIATION

Sir, —Much has been said about pronunciation and some of us would like to keep pronunciation the same as it was many years ago, when words were pronounced as spelt. However, during the years pronunciation has altered considerably; and today spelling and pronunciation are not always parallel. This creates two types: those who would pronounce a word as spelt and those who would spell a word as pronounced today; and so is created an endless controversy. Personally, I believe that the desirable solution is to accept the inevitable and spell words as they are pronounced today. The two languages in which I am interested, Maori and Dutch, do pronounce the words as they are spelt, and provided one- learns to pronounce the alphabets of these languages correctly, the pronunciation is straightforward. —Yours, etc., C. BOOTH. February 12, 1954.

Sir, —I would like to reply to the letter about radio announcers by “K.N.” Being a semi -invalid and in bed a good deal, I am an inveterate listener; and almost without exception I enjoy and appreciate the announcers on Christchurch stations. Generally speaking, their enunciation and pronunciation is decidedly good. I was educated at a good English school, and also have my Royal Academy degree for music, so I think my opinion ought to be worth something. After all, our announcers are British; yet they have to attempt names in all foreign languages—a pretty fearsome task, I should say—Yours etc February 12. 1954. E.M.

Sir, —l should like to say a word m favour of our radio announcers, who seldom make mistakes in pronunciation.” “Sez” is quite correct, “says” definitely wrong. Regarding day” in days of the week, “day” is pronounced de, not dee; “de” almost like dy.” “Figure” should be pronounced ‘figur,” not “figger,” not fig-ure. —Yours, etc., ’ . , DICTIONARY. February 12, 1954.

, 4 Sir,—Taking the risk of being classed modden. ’ my answer to 4 ‘Gillv Flower” and other correspondents is that pronunciation will evolve into a » simple, easy rhythm, with fewer syllables and no unnecessary letters in words. The change will come, as have other changes to set ideas. Words will be spelt as pronounced—a long-needed reform.—Yours, etc., „ . _ REFORM. February 12, 1954.