Pronounciation of Zero !!
I have many at a times looked down up on upon certain people, who have problem with pronouncing certain types of word. For me, they were, to an extend, unsophisticated. Unable to distinguish between certain things which have subtle differences in between themselves. Not that I am very sophisticated.
Take for example, the pronunciation of the word ‘zero’. Many people pronounce it the letter ‘z’ as ‘j’ in joker, somewhat like ‘jiiro’. And many at times, I have looked at these people as inferior. People who cannot be called to certain kind of tasks, that require quite some amount of level headedness. Though this is my personal opinion, it cannot be justified or quantified.
Today, on my way home from work, I noticed. To pronounce ‘z’ as in ‘j’ it requires a wee less effort and preciseness than to pronounce ‘z’ as in ‘zee’. Just try doing it. You will notice the place from where you have to pass the air is somewhat on the side (to pronounce ‘z’ as ‘zee’ ), whereas ‘z’ as in ‘j’ is simple pushing the air up straight with a bit force.That is sheer, I feel, as muscle power over brain power. Well this is just what I observed. What say ??
Well this is random thought in the truest sense !!
I never look down upon you when I correct you
Check your email for more corrections
And there is no reason for anyone to have such opinions about ppl just because they have a different accent to a language which is not their mother tongue. Just because the English ruled our country for 200 yrs, I dont know why ppl think this language to be a “upmarket” language. Taken, its spoken all over the world but that doesnt make the others “cheap” … and neither does it make those ppl “cheap” who have an accent to this language …
its the narrow-mindedness that does. If you call it a jiiro, so be it .. i got it, what msg you want to put through and that was the purpose.
Maybe talking to someone who doesnt understand the indian accent, it’ll be a problem, but then they too talk hindi with an accent that we make fun of.
Try listening to Spaniards (beginners) speaking French … you’ll die laughing.
The thing is, not all languages have all the sounds and when you learn a new one, you try to find the closest possible sounds in your mother tounge to the new sounds that you encounter in the new language.
Well maybe it was not explained properly. I have no problem with people who don’t know how to pronounce ‘zero’. There ignorance is acceptable. But for those, who know, and can pronounce ‘z’ as in ‘zee’ and not as ‘j’ as ‘jay’. (Some people cannot pronounce it !! that is also given !!). Its just that, I have considered people like these as inferior. And as I was reading your comment, you would remember, I also fall in the same category, many times !! So in a way, as a third person view on myself.. I should feel the same about me. Call me hypocrite then !!
Also, thanks for the mail !!