Pronunciation

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28660, 9 August 1958, Page 3

Pronunciation

Sir.—ln supporting “Poyntiforda’’ in his remarks on the pronunciation of English in Parliamentary circles, one might go further and call attention to the appalling verbosity of public speeches in general—and not only those delivered in the House. To fill the unforgiving minute with about 60 seconds worth of platitudinous tautology, unrelieved by erudition, originality or wit seems the accepted form: and the time-honoured. precept—to stand up, speak up and shut up—is all too often ignored. Yet how refreshingly different are the addresses given by . amateurs on informal * occasions, suefi as Rotary lunches, J where more worth hearing can • be better said than the average * public functionary would achieve • in twice the time. Indeed, youth- t ful aspirants at public-speaking * contests might perhaps, with ad- • vantage, cultivate the more • liberal and spontaneous arts of * the amateur In the field of oratory.—Yours, etc., ILAM. August 7, 1958. Sir.—Many in New Zealand would be calling kettles black if criticism of Parliamentary pronunclatlon came from any with the varied Inflections heard daily greeting friends .in the street- Some women lay: “Ee neece feen dee.”- Giris can lay: “li nice fine die,” and youths: “Oi noice foin dot.’’ Old chaps may say: “Ay nuyce fuyne duye,” and almost anyone, “A nace fane daye.” Deviations may be from any part at England, Ireland. Scoff and,' Wales, Australia, London, or, nowadays, New .York, We cannot complain of lack of variety. Yet. while developing an overall New Zea- ■ land accent can we? Sounds may come from lips; teeth, tongue or be swallowed down the throat. Some braves there be. who boom from the breastbone or boots in an endeavour to convince. Many seem still able to convey by the eyes more meaning than in mere noise. Fortunately!—Yours, etc. SUBTLETIES.