Hello, all:
A question for the readers: do any of you live in a place that can be said more than one way, but has only One True Pronunciation that, if said, identifies you as a born local of said place?
Let me explain: I live in southern Indiana, right across from Louisville, Kentucky. Specifically, I’m currently living in a city called New Albany. I was born in nearby Jeffersonville (which incidentally is the birthplace of the Papa John’s pizza chain, you’re welcome). A alien dropping in from outer space might therefore conclude from these facts that if I wanted to explain that I was driving from my home to my birth town and then across the river to Louisville, I’d say, “I’m going from New Albany to Jeffersonville to Louisville.” I might pronounce the Louis like “Lewis” even.
That is not how I’d really say it, though. What I’d really say is, “Y’all, I’m going from N’Albany to Jeff to Looavhul,” or maybe “Luhvhul.” (I’d say that if I was talking to five or less, that is. Over five, it’s all y’all.) Anyway, occasionally I’ve heard “Loo-ey-ville”, but usually it’s “Loo-a-vul”. New Albany is rarely all four syllables. No one ever says they graduated from Jeffersonville High (I especially don’t, as I was homeschooled, but that’s another story). It’s always Jeff High. The way we say these places is one of the many things I’m used to and I love about living here. Also, New Albany has a fantastic library. It really does.
If you live in a place with more than one pronunciation, leave a comment and tell me about it! You can also leave a comment if your hometown was the birthplace of a famous pizza chain too! (If it’s Domino’s and you’re responsible for the stuffed cheesy bread, you have my undying gratitude. Just so’s you know).
Writing Update
The Gaseous Girl serial has taken a turn, as it were; this is good, as we’re actually about halfway through the material I am bringing over and editing from my old Wordpress. Things are getting, well, dicey for our heroine:
What that means is that after this adventure, I will be turning out an all new serial. I’m more than willing to take suggestions from the crowd. Which one of Edison City’s caped and cowled finest would you like to see next?
Closing Time
I had forgotten that the “Inner Light” theme from the eponymous episode in Star Trek: The Next Generation was reprised in the later episode “Lessons”, but it was, and it was beautiful. Even if you’re not familiar with the backstory, it’s worth a listen.
Until next time,
Michael