The Pronunciation of 'H' in 'His', 'Her', and 'Him': A Detailed Analysis
In spoken English, the pronunciation of the letter 'h' in the pronouns 'his', 'her', and 'him' is a common point of confusion. Some believe that the 'h' is never pronounced, while others insist it is always present. This article aims to clarify the correct pronunciation and provide insights into the context and conditions under which the 'h' is dropped or maintained.
Standard English Pronunciation
In standard English pronunciation, the pronunciation of 'his', 'her', and 'him' follows a specific rule. The 'h' in these words is usually pronounced:
His: /h?z/
Her: /h??r/
Him: /h?m/
Usual Pronunciation in Casual Speech
While the 'h' is usually pronounced in standard English, it is often dropped in informal or casual speech, particularly when the words are used in a context where they receive light stress. Let's explore some examples:
Did ‘e do it?
Yes I saw ‘er.
Give ‘em hell!
In these examples, the 'h' is dropped for emphasis, making the speech more colloquial and quicker.
Contrasting Cases with Spanish Influence
It is worth noting that not all English speech sounds like standard English. Spanish speakers often reduce their 'h' sounds, as the Spanish 'j' makes a similar 'h' sound. This can sometimes contribute to an impression that the 'h' is dropped in certain words, although this is not the norm in English usage.
Regional Variations
The pronunciation of 'h' in 'his', 'her', and 'him' can vary depending on regional dialects. In American English, the 'h' is typically pronounced, while in some Cockney dialects, it may be dropped. This phenomenon reflects the diversity and flexibility of English pronunciation across different regions.
Typical Situations in Casual Speech
When spoken quickly or casually, the 'h' is often dropped in the pronouns 'her', 'his', and 'him'. Here are some examples to illustrate this:
She likes him. → Sounds like “She likes ‘im”: Almost nobody pronounces the 'h'.
Give it to him. → "Him" sounds like 'im": The 'h' is not pronounced if not stressed.
He likes her. → Sounds like “He likes ‘er”: The 'h' is pronounced in 'he' but not in 'her'.
Tell her about it. → “Tell her” sounds like “teller”: The 'h' is not pronounced.
I love his new shoes. → “His” sounds like ‘is’: The 'h' is not pronounced.
It's his first time doing his taxes on his own. → “It's his” sounds like “itssiz”: “Doing his” sounds like “doingiz”: “On his” sounds like “onniz”: The 'h's are not pronounced.
However, it is important to note that drop sounds are not grammatically incorrect. Dropping 'h's does not negate the meaning or the grammatical structure of the sentence. This 'weak' form of pronunciation is a normal part of spoken English, reflecting natural speech patterns and regional variations.
Stress and Pronunciation
The pronunciation of 'h' in 'his', 'her', and 'him' is highly dependent on the stress of the word in a sentence. Stress can significantly change the way a word is pronounced. In sentences where the 'h' is not stressed, it is often dropped. Conversely, if the 'h' is stressed, it is more likely to be pronounced:
He likes it.
Not me him!
He has her hat
It's for him and her
I'm his cousin not his brother
I'm his cousin not her cousin
In these examples, the 'h' is dropped in some words and pronounced in others depending on the context and the stress of the words.
Conclusion
The pronunciation of 'h' in 'his', 'her', and 'him' in spoken English is variable and can be influenced by stress, regional dialects, and the context of the sentence. While the 'h' is often dropped in casual or stressed pronunciations of these words, it is important to recognize that this is not the grammatically incorrect form. Understanding the nuances of this phenomenon enhances one's ability to communicate effectively in various settings.