Mystery of the silent ‘H’ in English
English, with its rich tapestry of words borrowed from various languages and dialects, often exhibits unique quirks and idiosyncrasies. Among the subtle nuances that can perplex learners and native speakers alike is the silent 'h.' This elusive letter makes appearances in words but chooses to remain discreet, withholding its audible presence in certain situations.
The silent 'h' phenomenon can be traced back to historical shifts in pronunciation, linguistic borrowings, and the evolution of the English language. Understanding when the 'h' is silent adds an intriguing layer to our appreciation of this ever-evolving language.
In English, the 'h' tends to be silent when it precedes a vowel. Consider words like "honour," "hour," and "honest." In these cases, the 'h' gracefully steps aside, allowing the following vowel to take centre stage.
The silent 'h' before a vowel is a general pattern in English, but as with many linguistic rules, there are exceptions. The reason the 'h' is not silent in words like "hotel," "host," and "hot" lies in the historical development of these words and their etymological origins.
Loanwords and Origins:
“Hero,” for example, is borrowed from Greek, where the 'h' is pronounced.
"Host" and "hot" have Germanic roots, and in Germanic languages, the 'h' is typically pronounced.
Phonetic Considerations:
Note: The 'h' sound in words like "hotel" and "host" is not always a full, aspirated 'h.' It might be softer or partially pronounced, but it is not entirely silent.
In summary, exceptions to the general rule of a silent 'h' before a vowel often arise from the historical development and linguistic origins of specific words. The English language is a dynamic entity, and its pronunciation reflects a complex interplay of historical, linguistic, and phonetic factors. While there are patterns and rules, exceptions abound, adding layers of intricacy to the study of English pronunciation.
In the case of the word "herb," the American pronunciation reflects a simplification or regularisation of the pronunciation. The choice to drop the "h" sound might be influenced by a desire for phonetic simplicity or the influence of other languages, as some languages do not aspirate the "h" sound.
Pronunciation variations exist within both British and American English, and regional accents and individual preferences can contribute to differences in how words are pronounced. The silent "h" in "herb" is just one example of the linguistic divergence between these two major English varieties.
