Since Vice President Kamala Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, Donald Trump has been using her name a lot. However, he has been mispronouncing it as “Ka-MA-la” or even “KUH-ma-la.” He did it again recently at the convention of the National Association of Black Journalists. He claims he doesn’t care how it’s pronounced, but after receiving disapproval from the audience, he changed his emphasis to the first syllable. Some people think he does it on purpose, but he insists he has heard it pronounced in seven different ways.
The name “Kamala” is of Sanskrit origin, making it challenging for those unfamiliar with the language to pronounce it correctly. While American English speakers might expect it to be pronounced as “Ka-MA-la” due to the pattern of words ending in “-ala,” the correct pronunciation is “KA-ma-la.” Trump’s persistent mispronunciation, along with his supporters echoing it, serves as a form of ridicule and mockery towards Vice President Harris.
Trump’s mispronunciation of “Kamala” reflects an outdated approach to foreign-sounding words that was more prevalent in the less multicultural America of the past. This behavior is reminiscent of how certain words like “Hawaii” and “ravioli” were mispronounced before becoming widely accepted in their correct forms. Just like how “Hawaii” was once pronounced as “Ha-WHY-a” by many mainlanders, Trump’s insistence on saying “Ka-MA-la” demonstrates a resistance to embracing cultural diversity and linguistic accuracy.
In the early 20th century, mispronunciations of words like “Honolulu” and “ravioli” were common, but over time, the correct pronunciations gained acceptance. The evolution of language and cultural awareness has led to a more inclusive and accurate representation of foreign words in American English. Trump’s refusal to adapt to the correct pronunciation of “Kamala” perpetuates a narrow-minded and outdated perspective on language and diversity.
It is essential to acknowledge and respect the correct pronunciation of names and words, especially when they hold cultural significance. By mispronouncing “Kamala,” Trump not only disrespects Vice President Harris but also undermines the importance of linguistic accuracy and cultural diversity in today’s society. As we continue to strive for inclusivity and understanding, it is crucial to embrace correct pronunciations and celebrate the richness of language and culture.