On 7/12/06 13:02, in article
, "Des Higgins"
wrote:


"Sacha" wrote in message
...
snip
But Aitch is correct because it's the only letter that has its own
definite
spelling and pronunciation in the dictionaries (AFAIK)
Pronouncing it 'haitch' has become more widespread but is incorrect and
maybe it's just me but I find it irritating!

Most people in Ireland say haitch and have done so for many years. If you
say aitch here you sound pretentious (or protestant :-).
Pronunciations change over time and space. Some Oirish pronunciations (e.g.
tay for tea and daycent for decent) are actually fossilised Elizabethan
pronunciations but now sound ignorant and paddyish to UK ears. Some sounds
do annoy me alright but some are just part of diversity to be enjoyed.
In Ireland, fake Hollywood pronunciations and accents kill me but that is
just me getting old (like characters from Friends) or people trying to hide
Irish or working class Dublin accents with what sounds posh but comes out
mangled.

Anyway I have decide that I will still refuse to say orEGGano :-)

I remember the haitch thing from the Irish nuns at the convent school I went
to and that was a definite regional thing and somehow all part of them
talking about 'a scissor' or 'the press' when they meant a cupboard. The
use of 'haitch' that I'm thinking about is the apparent current use of that
by people from all over the country, as opposed to a regional foible.
Just remember when you go to Italy that you'll get some funny looks with
your Oregaaaaaano. ;-))
--
Sacha
http://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
http://www.discoverdartmoor.co.uk/