Pronounce ‘pundit’ properly

I assume the minimum criteria for a prospective anchor would be a passing grade in high school English. Yet in spite of their apparent skill many of them frequently pronounce the word “pundit” as “poondit”, where the “u” is sounded almost like the “oo” in moon instead of the “u” in sun. I admit it is a triviality; their mispronunciation in no way distorts the message or misleads the listener, however, lately, hearing it annoys me. Basically the word pundit is of Sanskrit derivation and originally referred to a Hindu priest, in modern times though its meaning has been extended to include anyone who is an expert in a particular field, especially political commentary. Considering that we live in a country where just over 20 percent of the population is Hindu, you would expect resident journalists, whose job includes research, reading and writing, would have heard the word “pundit” spoken within context and with proper pronunciation several times.

With the influx of US news channels like CNN and Fox News Trinis can now watch The Pundit Pit, a segment on one of Fox’s morning shows. Also CNN will often interview a panel of luminaries, who are sometimes referred to as pundits. Please note that they always pronounce the “u” in pundit like the “u” in sun, which just happens to be correct. We Trinis tie our tongues in knots trying to ape the American accent, I wonder how the US pronunciation of “pundit” could have escaped our journalists. Please, news presenters, I ask a small favour pronounce the word pundit correctly if for no other reason but to sound like the Americans we trip over ourselves to imitate.

Rakesh Mohan

Chaguanas