Episode Summary: "HTDE: Yes We Pecan, with Martha Stewart"
In this engaging episode of How to Do Everything, hosted by NPR's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, Peter Sagal, along with producers Mike Danforth and Ian Shillag, delves into the perennial debate over the correct pronunciation of the word "pecan." Featuring guest appearances by renowned lifestyle guru Martha Stewart and Ojibwe linguist Dr. Michael McGeezy Sullivan, the episode combines humor, expert insights, and intriguing stories to offer listeners a comprehensive exploration of language, culture, and innovative problem-solving.
1. The Pecan Pronunciation Debate
Timestamp: [01:02]
The episode kicks off with a listener's query about the correct pronunciation of "pecan," a staple in Thanksgiving meals. Alexa, a caller, shares her experience of encountering varying pronunciations among her Texan roommates:
Alexa [01:04]: "My mother is a born and raised Texan. Was taught from a very young age that the proper pronunciation of a certain nut is pecan and not pecan... And I recently moved in with some new roommates in New York, two of which are from Texas. And I assumed they would also understand the importance of the pronunciation of pecan. And one of them does. However, the other does not."
Timestamp: [03:01]
To shed light on this debate, Martha Stewart joins the conversation. She shares her pronunciation preferences and acknowledges the regional variations:
Martha Stewart [03:34]: "Pecan. Not very Southern, because I have a lot of Southern friends and they all say pecan, and mine's pecan. You know, pecan is not pecan. I don't say pecan."
Stewart emphasizes the influence of familial and regional backgrounds on pronunciation, leading to a mix of "pecan" and "puh-KAN" pronunciations.
Timestamp: [05:20]
Bringing an academic perspective, Dr. Michael McGeezy Sullivan discusses the linguistic roots of "pecan," tracing it back to the Ojibwe language:
Dr. Michael McGeezy Sullivan [05:38]: "Right on. I thought you'd never asked. So we say bagon. Bagon? Yeah. So we spell it in Ojibwe, we spell it with a bag. Now, being that Europeans call it a pecan, I'd say would be the closest in the colloquial English that matches an indigenous pronunciation."
He clarifies that while "bagon" is the original pronunciation, "pecan" serves as an Anglicized version, bridging indigenous and English-speaking communities.
Timestamp: [07:10]
Dr. Sullivan humorously comments on the evolution of pronunciation:
Dr. Michael McGeezy Sullivan [07:14]: "Bogan is where we were going for."
He underscores the importance of understanding and respecting linguistic diversity without becoming overly prescriptive.
2. Language Inclusivity: The "You Guys" Fast
Timestamp: [08:21]
Transitioning from linguistics, the hosts address their own linguistic habits, specifically the use of the phrase "you guys." Acknowledging its exclusivity, Mike Danforth and Ian Shillag embark on a "you guys fast," striving to eliminate the term from their vocabulary. They candidly discuss their challenges and encourage listeners to join them in adopting more inclusive language alternatives.
Mike Danforth [09:00]: "So both of us would like to stop saying it. So we're going to establish a little accountability. We're going to do a. You guys fast. And you people out there, we'd love for you to join."
The segment highlights the broader movement towards gender-neutral language and the hosts' personal commitment to fostering inclusivity.
3. Innovative Solutions: Illuminating Viganella with a Giant Mirror
Timestamp: [13:35]
Shifting gears, the episode presents an inspiring story from the picturesque town of Viganella, Italy. Pier Franco Modale, alongside his daughter Fabiola, recounts the town's ingenious solution to prolonged darkness during winter months:
Pier Franco Modale [14:37]: "They decided to build this giant mirror 40 square meters at the top of the mountain opposite the village to reflect the sun directly on the village. It's 1 km far from the village, on the top of the mountain."
This monumental mirror, spanning 40 square meters, captures and reflects sunlight onto Viganella, transforming the town's winter doldrums into periods of artificial daylight. While the mirror doesn't provide warmth, its ability to illuminate the village square has had a profound impact on the community's morale and daily life.
Pier Franco Modale [15:12]: "It doesn't warm up. It's simply. Yeah, it's sunny, it's light."
The initiative, initially met with skepticism, exemplifies human creativity in addressing environmental and social challenges. Pier Franco reflects on the community's journey from doubt to embracing the unprecedented solution:
Pier Franco Modale [16:30]: "Even before the construction of the mirror, lots of people were skeptical about it. They didn't believe that it would be possible to build such an invention."
4. Closing Thoughts and Reflections
Timestamp: [17:32]
As the episode nears its conclusion, Mike and Ian reflect humorously on the Viganella mirror project, contemplating whimsical scenarios like animals using the mirror or unexpected interruptions caused by wildlife.
Mike Danforth [17:38]: "I think that mirror also up on top of the mountain. It's useful for any of the animals that need to see how they look."
Their lighthearted banter underscores the episode's blend of informative content and entertainment, leaving listeners with both knowledge and a smile.
Final Takeaway
This episode of How to Do Everything masterfully intertwines discussions on language pronunciation, cultural inclusivity, and innovative community solutions. Through expert interviews and captivating storytelling, listeners are encouraged to appreciate linguistic diversity, strive for inclusive communication, and embrace creative problem-solving in the face of challenges.