PRONUNCIATION

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27274, 15 February 1954, Page 2

PRONUNCIATION

Sir,—Listening to the English language as spoken in this country, at any rate, one can come to some pretty definite conclusions. One is, that the inevitable cigarette, dangling from the lips, prevents any sounds, worth calling sounds, from being emitted. Consonants cannot be heard, and vowel sounds are stifled. Speech is far too hurried, and words, such as they are, are tumbled out, all mixed up. And what phrases are used! “I’ll say,” “Too right,” “That’ll be the day." and all the rest of it The English language, well spoken, not distorted by affectation, is a sheer delight to listen to, but. unfortunately, how rarely one hears it.—Yours, etc.. SPEAK THE SPEECH. February 13, 1954.

Sir,—When overseas I found that the New Zealand accent was a joke among the public in theatres end papers. On my return, most persons seemed to be talking through their noses and one heard “flar” for flower, “par” for power, etc., on the air and in public speech. It is time that this was taken in hand and announcers selected who speak correctly, as do Tui Uru and Theo. Schou. Why should we have to listen to old gentlemen with dental trouble and Scots who speak of “Ockland” (Auckland) and the “Knotty Waltz” (Naughty Waltz). The announcer is an important person in our national life and we should demand the best.—Yours, etc., COUNTRY WOMAN. February 12, 1954.