As a chef of long standing, and a certain age, I am fascinated by the modern pronunciation of two spices which I have used for years.
For the forty odd years I have been using these spices I have pronounced Cumin as one would say “come in” and turmeric as if the first syllable were identical to “Term”.
The pronunciation by modern chefs is quite different (and I can cite Nigella and Jamie for this, as well as most others)
They pronounce Cumin as if it were spelt Queue min and Turmeric as if it were Tumour ic.
I did study phonics many years ago and as far as I an interpret these symbols in the OUD I am correct in both cases.
Perhaps I’m missing something, and there is an authentic Indian twist on the pronunciation of these spices?
Comments
Eamon
on November 11, 2008Why doesn’t it surprise me that you studied phonics! You really would have been an enthusuastic member of the Philological Society all those years ago in the origination of the OED.
Martin
on November 13, 2008As most of my friends agree I am a bit of a nerd. The phonics bit was a compulsory part of my English course in UCC 40+ years ago.
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