is this some sort of communal arrogance, to do this? Why not respect the original sound of such words? Who decides such words should sound different while spoken by French people?
Responses (2)
I'm not really sure if you're trolling or serious in asking this question, but since a great many of English language words are French and ultimately Latin in origin (including label- in Old French it meant 'ribbon') I rather think the question is a moot point. however if you want to understand how language changes and how accents are formed take a look at the differences in the accents of the English Counties. The way, for example, a Liverpudlian speaks is very different to the way a Londoner speaks and there is no arrogance meant or taken on either side. Nobody gets to decide how someone speaks - it just happens and it is a fluid thing which is constantly changing over time. Try, for example to read William Shakespeare and imagine how language like that would be taken today for that was how people really spoke in those days- very different from today and in another 400 years the way we speak will sound strange.
Hi - actually, I found this info through the merrian-webster.com website (part of Encyclopaedia Brittanica, eh, label). It states, concerning the roots of the term: "Middle English, from Anglo-French labelle. First Known Use: 14th century". So, in fact, both languages have their part in the story.For some reason, then, the word lost its 'le' extension, and kept its original pronounciation in French, while it got changed in English - if I'm reading right. A little bit confusing, maybe, then, but anyway: that's the story. Sorry if I upset any French person here! (though we know that pride is a bit a part of their culture - why else would they dub so much British/American series through the tv otherwise, for instance, ;)).
I have french friends and they have a strong french accent , and when I'm telling they that it is not "ze cat" but, they don't believe me, they say they had learn ' ze cat ' in france.
So I think it is only because they dont have real english teacher, so they are learning the wrong accent since the beginning
hi. Thanks for your answer. I am serious in asking, because I don't understand why French people reform the pronunciation of words so easily - seems like a form of disrespect to the actuel, age old term 'label', in my example. To me, it seems as if French people act in a form of nationalistic reflex - "we'll change the sound of that word and make it seem ours" - but, from a distance, it seems so ridiculous to me. Maybe there's even a little bit of a competition element to it. I would like to read some comments by French people, actually, but anyone is welcome for the exchange of ideas!