The common error in the following class of words, is that of allowing the vowel to approach the sound of a in ale; thus, "taill" for Other errors are such as 66 tell. 66 stiddy," for steady; maysure," 8. I, as in I-n. The common error of careless articulation, in this element, makes it approach the a of ale; thus, "sainn," for sin. An opposite error, in foreign style, or in bad taste, gives "seenn," for sin; “ceetee,” for city, &c. Sometimes carelessly enunciated as a in an, prolonged; thus, “ŭer,” for air;—sometimes too fastidiously flattened, and reduced to a in ale; thus, "āer" for air. The true sound lies between. The error in enunciating this element, is that of forming the sound in a coarse, guttural style, which makes it approach the sound of o in on. This fault is prevalent in the usage of the Middle States. 66 Three errors are extensively prevalent in the mode of enunciating this element: - 1st, a local error of New England, which gives a double sound for a single one, commencing with o in old, and ending with u in up, or a in an, thus "nour,” or “nõăr,” for nor; 2d, a local error of the Middle States, which makes the sound too broad, and resembling the a in arm; thus, nûr," for nor; 3d, a long and drawling sound, which has a coarse and slovenly character; thus cawrd, for cord. 66 A prevalent local error in Massachusetts, in the following class of 1 The same element with e in err, though differently spelled. 2 The r of these words is soft, but never silent, as in the style of faulty usage. sounds, exists in the words, loss, lost, soft, &c., which are pronounced nearly with o, as in old; thus "loass," """loast," "soaft," 66 &c., and sometimes with a double, instead of a single sound; thus loast," &c., for lost. The local error of usage, in the state of Connecticut, verges to the opposite extreme, in such words, and gives, for o, a sound too nearly like that of a in an; thus "lass,” &c., for loss. The common error in the enunciation of this element, is that of making its “vanish" too conspicuous; thus "acel" for ale. An opposite error is not uncommon, - that of omitting the delicate vanishing" sound entirely, which makes the style of enunciation coarse and negligent. 66 The two errors to be avoided in enunciating this element, are, 1st, that of commencing with too broad a sound; thus, (ǎece ;) 2d, that of commencing it with too flat a "aece," for ice. See remarks on "tonic" elements. ûece," for ice sound; thus, A prevalent error in the local usage of New England, makes this o too short; thus, "hom," for home. A common error of the Mid dle States makes the sound too broad; thus "fûrce" for force. The prevailing errors on this element, are "âur," "ăur," and "eur," for our, (o sounding as in done.) The first two of these 1Commonly mispronounced "gawd," "goad," "gōud," or "gad." errors are current in the pronunciation of the Southern and Middle States; the last, in that of New England. The two errors usually exhibited in enunciating this element, are 1st, beginning the diphthong with the sound of o, in own, instead of that of o, in on; 2d, closing with a sound resembling a, in ale, instead of i, in in. 18. U, as in U-se, [long, as in the verb,-short, as in the noun.] The common errors in articulating this compound element, consist in, 1st, turning the whole sound into oo, as in ooze; 2d, making the diphthong commence with a, in ale, instead of e, in eve, shortened, or the sound of y, in yet. The common error in the enunciation of this element, is that of sounding it too slightly, and in a slack and lagging style. The common fault of enunciation in this, as in the preceding element, is a want of that force which belongs to energetic and animated 4. R, as in R-ap. [R initial, before a vowel, or after a consonant.] The error to be avoided in articulating this element, is that of prolonging it into a "roll," or that of substituting for it the soft sound of r "final." A correct articulation, in this instance, always presents to the ear a firm, clear, and distinct, but very brief sound. 5. R, as in Fa-r; [r final, or before a consonant.] The error most frequent in the articulation of this element, is that of omitting it, through inadvertency. This fault is one of the conspicuous peculiarities of the style of pronunciation prevalent among the uncultivated classes of the city of London. But it is not less so, even among educated people, in the United States. The soft r, being one of the few liquid consonants which our language possesses, should never be omitted in enunciation. At the same time, it should never be converted into the opposite r, as in rap, as it often is, in the style of foreigners; neither should it ever be dwelt upon, or prolonged in sound. It is properly but a "vanish," in its effect on the ear; as its vibrating and murmuring articulation prevents it from becoming forcible or distinct. The tongue should execute it with a delicate motion adapted to its slight and evanescent character. Exercise on words containing both sounds of R. [The difference in the sounds of the hard and the soft r, should be exactly observed.] Rare error Roared Rarely Drier Rear Roar Reared regular barrier terrier merrier farrier 6. Ng, as in Si-ng; [or n, before g hard or k.] The forcible execution of this, and the two following elements, in a very clear and compact form, is often indispensable to the full effect of vivid emotion. 12. Z, as in A-z-ure, [or s, as in measure.] 1 Yay, not "ye." 2 Yes, not "yiss." In these and a few other words, the style recommended by Walker, is now obsolete. |