'English as she is spoke’

Press, 4 August 1977, Page 16

'English as she is spoke’

Sir, — Along with other correspondents I am concerned at the errors common in the general use of English. Some of the grammar during children’s sessions on TV is appalling. For instance, in “Play School,” we hear: “Him and Big Ted are going to invite . . . ”; “They have went . . . “They couldn't of ... ” and many more. Where some children may be amused at the antics of Stew surely his “See Ya.” his garbled diction and crudities, leave much to be desired as an example set to the young. — Yours, etc.,

D. E. THOMSON. August 2, 1977.

Sir, — Leicester S. Emmett asks if I have heard certain words mispronounced which he mentions. I am well aware of those and many others. To quote a few: ‘‘particlarly” for “particularly,” “Antartic” for “Antarctic,” "predomiting” for “predominating,” and so “ad infinitum.” It is good to know that there are other people perturbed by bad speaking and that I am not the only voice “crying in the wilderness.” — Yours, etc., CONSTANCE L. GILBERT.

August 2, 1977. Sir. — The correspondence "English as she is spoke” sneaks volumes in regard to the abhorrence felt by many New Zealanders towards the misuse of the English language. A typical example of this trend is the pronunciation of New Zealand which is so commonly pronounced “New Zilland” that an overseas artist, interviewed on television, hurriedly corrected his use of New Zealand, which he had been led to believe was incorrect, and substituted “New Zilland.” On the other hand, Americans were quick to point out to the Christchurch Harmonic Society choir which visited Los Angeles, that their use of “Los Angelees” was incorrect, as there is only one letter "e” in the last syllable. Most Idfcal announcers make

this mistake which grates when one knows the correct usage. My daughter picked up another common error at school — that of substituting “e” for “a” as in Alps. — Yours, etc..

L. E. REID. August 2, 1977.