What is going on with speech in North America these days? I am talking, in particular, about sounding the letter “T” in words like mountain and important.
Mountain – Mao-in
Important – Impor-int
I’m not sure how long it’s been going on, but younger people (and some older people mimicking younger people to sound cool) are pronouncing it this way (see sample above).
Does it bother me? Maybe a little; I couldn’t tell you why though. It’s just one of those things. Hey, maybe it’s my age. I’m turning into a grumpy old man in real time!
Anyway, I’m really only talking about English speakers in Canada and the US. It could be happening elsewhere, but this is where I’m hearing it.
It reminds me of the California dialect, Valleyspeak, that started in the 80’s, though the main difference is that today I’m just talking about the way people are pronouncing certain words; the Valley Girls had their own complete language style.
Maybe this is how language develops over time and what we’re witnessing is a natural evolution.
It’s almost as bad as people who feel the need to add an “ah” at the end of words.
Wow, I really have to lighten up! Lol.
