Why Is 'Colonel' Pronounced 'Kernel'?

The video explores the complexities of English pronunciation, focusing on the word 'Colonel'. It traces the word's etymology from Italian 'colonelo', through French 'coronel', to its current English form. The video explains how linguistic processes like dissemination and historical influences from Italian, French, and Spanish languages shaped its pronunciation. Despite changes in spelling, English retained its unique pronunciation, highlighting the language's complexity.

What makes the pronunciation of the word 'Colonel' particularly challenging for non-native speakers?

• It is a newly coined term.

• It has a straightforward etymology.

• It is pronounced exactly as it is spelled.

• It has silent letters.

From which language does the word 'Colonel' originate, and what does it mean?

• Spanish, meaning 'officer'

• Latin, meaning 'leader'

• Italian, meaning 'column'

• French, meaning 'crown'

What linguistic process led to the change in pronunciation from 'colonelo' to 'coronel'?

• Assimilation

• Dissimilation

• Metathesis

• Elision

How did the English pronunciation of 'Colonel' evolve over time?

• It was completely different from any other language.

• It remained the same as the French pronunciation.

• It adopted the Italian pronunciation.

• It was influenced by both French and Spanish pronunciations.

Why did the English retain the old pronunciation of 'Colonel' despite changing its spelling?

• They misunderstood the original meaning.

• They preferred the Italian spelling.

• They were linguistically rebellious.

• They wanted to align with French pronunciation.