Why is this word so commonly mispronounced by black people (African Americans). The work is ASK... Not AX. Just wondering if anyone knows why it is pronounced "Ax" by so many!
2007-03-05 03:53:44 · 5 answers · asked by davelibby321 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Not trying to offend, It just sounds like an educational problem that needs to be addressed. Yes there are dumb white kids out there too!
2007-03-05 04:04:25 · update #1
I am pointing out black people that pronounce it this way (not saying that they are the only ones), while tring not to offend anyone, I'm asking WHY they pronounce this way!?!?!?
2007-03-05 04:39:21 · update #2
Maybe your question should be why ANYONE mispronounces the word. It's not a black. white, or Chinese thing. People of all color murder the English language each day. Now for the answer...I think slang has become so common today than many people don't know what the word really sounds like. It starts at home. If children are allowed to walk around and speak incorrectly at home, of course they will do the same in the real world.
2007-03-05 09:50:49 · answer #1 · answered by meshiab 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, in Old English, Ask was spelled Akse. So, basically like humans, words evolve and re-evolve. "Axe" is just coming around full circle in a way. The only way to tell if a word is pronounced right is if the majority of L1 speakers choose that way of pronuciation. In other words, eventually, if more people pronounce it "axe" then that will be the right way.
2007-03-05 08:55:56 · answer #2 · answered by Dappa D 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it's a colloquialism so isn't obliged to either obey the regular means of pronunciation or indeed be grammatically correct.
Oh by the way I've heard plenty of white people say ax'ing and not asking and worse besides. in future try not to attach too many labels you may offend someone.
2007-03-05 04:01:13 · answer #3 · answered by Mcpirate 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You say you're not trying to offend and yet you mention one specific group of people?
In an earlier episode of 7th heaven this season, Eric had this discussion with several people whom he corrected and I cannot remember any of them being black.
As far as I know the word is ASKING.
2007-03-05 04:32:11 · answer #4 · answered by tani n 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was on Friends too though I don't know if they were just trying to be funny.
Definitely ASK though.
2007-03-05 03:58:04 · answer #5 · answered by tor 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋