Summary of "Bonus Episode 4: Let Me ‘Buoy’ Your Spirits" - The History of English Podcast

Podcast Information:

• Title: The History of English Podcast
• Host: Kevin Stroud
• Description: The Spoken History of a Global Language
• Episode: Bonus Episode 4: Let Me ‘Buoy’ Your Spirits
• Release Date: October 29, 2013

Introduction to the Pronunciation of "Buoy"

In this bonus episode, host Kevin Stroud delves into the intriguing differences in pronouncing the word "buoy" between American and British English. Stroud initiates the discussion by referencing Episode 31, where he highlighted words transitioning from the Franks into modern English, including "buoy." He notes the prevalent American pronunciation "buoy" and contrasts it with the British and Australian pronunciation "boy".

Kevin Stroud [02:15]: "In Britain, the pronunciation is boy, and it's my understanding that that's also the pronunciation in Australia."

This pronunciation discrepancy sparked extensive dialogue among listeners, prompting Stroud to explore its linguistic roots.

Dialectal Origins: West Saxon vs. Anglian

Stroud traces the pronunciation variations back to the divergence between West Saxon and Anglian dialects in 7th-century Britain. He explains that these dialects featured different diphthongs—"oi" in British English and "ooey" in American English. A diphthong, he reminds listeners, involves two vowel sounds merged into a single syllable.

Kevin Stroud [05:40]: "The differences between boy and buoy may not seem all that big linguistically, but when we're accustomed to one pronunciation and then hear the other, it can be very striking."

Stroud emphasizes that while these dialectal differences might appear subtle today, they were significant to the native speakers of that era.

Geographic Influences: The River Thames and Essex

The River Thames served as a pivotal geographic boundary between the Anglian and West Saxon dialects. However, Stroud clarifies that some Saxons, like the East Saxons settled in what is now Essex, lived north of the river and adopted Anglian dialect influences.

Kevin Stroud [10:00]: "Even though Essex was a Saxon region based upon the early settlements, it actually spoke an Anglian dialect."

This melding of dialects around London played a crucial role in shaping what would become modern English, particularly as London's English enjoyed prominence.

Comparative Linguistics: Zed vs. Z and Football vs. Soccer

Stroud broadens the discussion by comparing the "buoy" pronunciation to other English variations, notably:

• The Letter "Z": Known as "zed" in Britain and "zee" in America.

  Kevin Stroud [15:30]: "In the English of Britain and the Commonwealth, the last letter of the Alphabet is zed, but Americans call it z."

• The Sport "Football": Referred to as "soccer" in parts of America.

  Kevin Stroud [17:45]: "In some places, English speakers pronounce buoy as boy, and in other places it's buoyie."

These examples illustrate how regional preferences can lead to standardized variations over time.

Historical Standardization Attempts

Stroud examines historical efforts to standardize the pronunciation of "buoy." He references John Walker's 1791 Critical Pronouncing Dictionary, which advocated for the pronunciation "bwoy" and discouraged the "boy" variant.

Kevin Stroud [21:10]: "According to Walker, boy was a common pronunciation at the time, but it was not correct."

Similarly, Benjamin Humphrey Smart's 1810 A Practical Grammar of English Pronunciation echoed Walker's stance, further entrenching the divided opinions on the word's correct pronunciation.

Evolution in American English

Stroud discusses how American English adopted different pronunciations through influential figures like Noah Webster. Webster's 1828 English Dictionary favored the "zee" pronunciation for the letter "Z," solidifying the American variant over the British "zed."

Regarding "buoy," Stroud notes that early American pronunciations were influenced by multiple sources, including French and Dutch maritime interactions. Over time, the triphthong identified by Gould Brown in the 1820s transitioned into the modern American "buoy" pronunciation.

Kevin Stroud [28:50]: "It appears that this triphthong, identified by Gould Brown, eventually became the more standard pronunciation in American English."

The Dynamic Nature of English Pronunciation

Stroud concludes by emphasizing the fluidity of English pronunciation. He underscores that what is considered "correct" has evolved, often replacing earlier standards deemed proper in previous centuries.

Kevin Stroud [35:20]: "There's a tendency to assume that one version of English is correct or the proper version. But very often the differences which exist today represent variations which developed at a later date."

Stroud highlights that both British "boy" and American "buoy" were once contested pronunciations, illustrating how language continuously adapts and transforms.

Looking Forward

In closing, Stroud hints at future episodes, promising to explore the events leading to the first written texts in the English language. This suggests a continuation of his deep dive into the historical intricacies of English.

Kevin Stroud [37:00]: "Next time, I'm going to continue the story of English, and specifically, I'm going to explore the events which led to the first written text in the English language."

Conclusion

This bonus episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the pronunciation variations of "buoy," situating them within broader linguistic, historical, and geographic contexts. Kevin Stroud effectively demonstrates how a single word encapsulates the dynamic evolution of English, influenced by dialects, regional preferences, and historical standardization efforts. Through meticulous analysis and engaging storytelling, listeners gain profound insights into the complexities that shape the English language today.