Decent lyrics and catchy tune make it a staple across radioland, fair enough, though the only qualm is her style of pronouncing the words faateko and vaaseko which should’ve been phaateko and bhaaseko, as any Nepali speaking denizen will attest to.[break]
If it’s any consolation to Shruti, and to a linguist’s chagrin, she’s definitely not the only one who’s responsible for mouthing words incorrectly (with incorrect allophone).
Forget the XYZ bands and wannabe singers, who are dime-a-dozen these days, but even the elite singing brigade of Nepali music fraternity, from Nabin K Bhattrai to Sugam Pokharel, are guilty of the crime of mispronunciation.
The case of bhayo vs vayo
Having a lisp or struggling with a foreign language is completely different from singing in one’s own mother tongue and still make those “stylized” mistakes, reasons Nhyoo Bajracharya. The veteran music composer finds it funny when singers in their defense say that they forgot how to pronounce a certain word.
“It’s cognitively not possible (laughs), once you learn a language because it becomes a part of you. And even if you forget, then do your homework and practice,” he adds.
“Practice makes perfect,” the age-old adage definitely sits close to Bajracharya’s heart, for under his careful guidance, many a dream have been shaped and careers launched.
Two of his protégés, half British Kristina Allen, and New York-based Dikyi Ukyab have released albums full of Nepali songs, for Nepali audience.
“Kristina took nearly two years to complete the album, and Dikyi’s journey is no exception. Both of them showed immense patience in learning the language, including its subtle nuances, and I must admit their dedication has inspired me,” added Bajracharya.
Allen revealed that although she grew up with locals, she found it difficult to pronounce certain words and believes the hard work while recording the album was not an option.
“Getting the audible part of the language correct was challenging, time consuming, frustrating. But to lend authenticity to a Nepali album was the priority. The reception I got for my album, ‘Na Baadhana’, was well worth the effort.”
And yes, the 15–year–old singer can differentiate between bhayo and vayo or jaanchhu and jaansu, and finds it funny if not confusing on why people are playing with the integrity of words.
Due to incorrect use or deliberate distortion for a particular effect, such usage may eventually become accepted jargons and even fall into everyday language where the distortion goes unrealized and gets acceptance as normal.
These days if one were to listen to the youngsters, it’s pretty evident that media has a direct effect on their impressionable minds.
So, is it not important to regulate such matters, and where does one draw the line? Program coordinator of Hits FM 91.2, and an RJ herself, Mandira Dhungel, shares, “We can’t dictate people. It’s a free world and they are entitled to their own opinions. The only thing we can hope is that logic would preside over action.”
She believes that media has a pivotal role in such issues, and for personalities who are emulated by millions, it’s imperative that such individuals set good examples.
“Everyone can’t be 100% correct – grammatically or colloquially – but one should always make a conscious effort not to entertain such fads.”
So what could be the main reason behind such spoonerism – an act where the initial letters of two words are exchanged?
Bajracharya doesn’t believe that such extremities are required to create credibility in genre.
“If you’re performing a rock song, it doesn’t mean you need to create your own set of pronunciations to match the genre. Music speaks for itself and if done properly, there’s no need to revert to such antics.”
Recalling his recording session with Bollywood singer Shreya Ghoshal for Chhayechha Basanta, the single from Basanta Chaudhary’s “Only Love,” Bajracharya was all praise for the playback singer who has sung in more than a dozen languages, including Nepali.
“It took Shreyal nearly five times the normal time than what she puts in recording a song. According to her, singing in an unfamiliar language requires special care and consideration, for one is dealing with words, sentences and languages that will ultimately affect the listener and their feelings,” shared Bajracharya, who further adds, “Artists and media personalities should be careful about their job. It comes with a responsibility and it’s no joking matter!”
A trend that became obvious after the Uglyz sang Aaudai Jadai, mispronouncing Nepali words, or as they call it “style,” it has spread like wildfire among the upcoming crooners, the effect of which can be seen among the youth of the nation.
It’s understandable that music is an art form, but keeping the integrity of the language should be a priority. It’s the most important thing.
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