February
Diane from Charlevoix
asked if anyone still pronounces the first r in February. My observation is,
not many people do.
People tend to take the
easy way out when pronouncing words like February, which are mildly difficult
to say. The Oxford English Dictionary
remarks that the proximity of two r’s is one cause of the problem. This also
occurs with the word library, but more people shudder when hearing liberry than
when hearing Febuary. The OED also thinks that the proximate month January
plays a role in making the missing r seem normal.
Physically, some
gymnastics are involved when pronouncing February. Both lips are compressed
when pronouncing the letter b. Then you have to pull your tongue back quickly
and curl its tip upwards toward the tooth line to form the letter r. I find
that it helps to ignore proper syllabication (FEB-RU-AR-Y) by thinking
FEH-BREW-ARY. After all, we have no trouble asking for a brew.
The name of the month
came from a Roman rite of purification. It usually involved flowing water, not
beer.
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