Should we really abandon the 'p' in cupboard and other silent letters?
Context
Language experts are suggesting that we stop pronouncing the 'p' in cupboard because the word has evolved, but it got me thinking about how we treat English in Nigeria. We often take pride in speaking 'correct' English, but is it time to embrace these linguistic shifts, or should we stick strictly to the traditional pronunciation? How do you feel about changing how we pronounce words that have become standard in our daily Nigerian English?
Top answers
Babatunde Oyelese
@babatundeoyelese548• 5mo ago
The debate over silent letters like the p in cupboard highlights the tension between linguistic evolution and the formal standards often upheld in places like Nigeria. While sticking to traditional pronunciation is often seen as a mark of education or clarity, language is inherently dynamic and naturally shifts to favor efficiency over historical roots. In the Nigerian context, perhaps we can adopt a balanced approach where we maintain formal standards in professional or academic settings while embracing local variations in our everyday interactions. Ultimately, communication is most successful when it bridges the gap between accuracy and authenticity, so there is no harm in letting our usage evolve alongside our unique cultural identity.
Comments
Teryila Gbishe
@teryilagbishe724• 4mo ago
That is a really thoughtful perspective. I especially like your point about balancing formal standards with our local identity, as it feels like the most realistic way to navigate language in a diverse space like Nigeria. It makes me wonder though, at what point does a local variation shift from being an evolution of the language to being seen as just a mistake? Do you think the academic world will ever eventually give in and accept these common mispronunciations as the new standard?