Spelling pronunciation spot-check

[Jonathan Lighter]

Carol Lin has a clear L in "calm" that is roughly comparable to that in "column" (though of course without the following vowel).  At least she did this morning. It was very noticeable.

  JL

Alice Faber <faber at HASKINS.YALE.EDU> wrote:
  ---------------------- Information from the mail header -----------------------
Sender: American Dialect Society
Poster: Alice Faber
Organization: Haskins Laboratories
Subject: Re: Spelling pronunciation spot-check
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Jonathan Lighter wrote:
> CNN anchor Carol Lin clearly pronounces the "L" in "calm."

Do you mean she has a "clear L"? If so, that *would* be weird. An
ordinary, post-vocalic dark L, now that sounds normal to me.
>
> The pitchwoman for Red Lobster in a current commercial does the same for "salmon." (Like "salmonella." Folk etymology?)
>

I have a vague recollection of this being regional, but what region it's
found in, I couldn't say. Sometime in the past 30 years, though, I saw a
PEAS-like map of where consonantal L in "salmon" is attested.

--
 =============================================================================
Alice Faber faber at haskins.yale.edu
Haskins Laboratories tel: (203) 865-6163 x258
New Haven, CT 06511 USA fax (203) 865-8963

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