DALLAS (AP) — The changing tide of language has led to significant pronunciation struggles for many Americans this year, particularly regarding notable names and terms influenced by diverse cultural backgrounds. Among the words that captured attention were the name of New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, and the renowned French museum, the Louvre.
Released by Babbel and The Captioning Group, the list of mispronounced terms serves as a window into public discourse. As Mamdani prepares for his historic role as the city’s first Muslim mayor, many Americans have grappled with correctly saying his name, often swapping letters around. The correct pronunciation is zoh-RAHN mam-DAH-nee, a challenge for many to master.
Interestingly, Mamdani himself has expressed understanding towards those who may mispronounce his name but highlights the intentional misinterpretations that need correction. During a mayoral debate, he took the opportunity to clarify his name directly to his opponent, Andrew Cuomo, saying, The name is Mamdani. M-A-M-D-A-N-I.
The Louvre, which made headlines this year due to the theft of France’s crown jewels, has also seen a shift in its pronunciation. Babbel reported the proper way to say it is LOOV-ruh, challenging for many English speakers who struggle with the softer sounds.
Esteban Touma from Babbel noted that as language evolves, many words entering the vernacular stem from a myriad of languages, presenting new challenges for speakers. The struggle with pronunciation reflects broader cultural and linguistic adaptations taking place in society.
Additional words that caused confusion included acetaminophen, originally known in the U.S. as the active ingredient in Tylenol, Mounjaro—an emerging medication for obesity—and the infamous Alex Murdaugh, whose recent legal battles have kept him in the public eye.
This year's list serves as a reminder of how interconnected our world has become, affecting the way we speak and engage with one another.
