The Phonetics of 'Historian' in Philip Pullman’s 'La Belle Sauvage'

Introduction to the Playful Challenges of Pronunciation in Literature

Philip Pullman’s The Book of Dust, specifically in its first volume La Belle Sauvage, offers a delightful glimpse into the quirky and often surprising nature of language. One peculiar and recurring feature of the text is the way certain characters refer to individuals in academic professions. Specifically, they often pronounce 'historian' as 'istorian'. This article explores why this pronunciation occurs, its historical background, and the linguistic and cultural significance it holds within the La Belle Sauvage.

The Pronunciation of 'Historian': A Historical Perspective

The way 'historian' is spoken is a fascinating blend of historical and regional linguistic peculiarities. Linguists have observed that the pronunciation of 'historian' varies across different dialects and time periods. In particular, this section will delve into why certain characters in La Belle Sauvage might use the modified pronunciation 'istorian'.

1. Historical Context

Historically, the pronunciation of 'historian' with a silent 'h' was quite common. This practice can be seen in written texts from the 15th and 16th centuries. The 'h' in 'historian' began as a silent or unpronounced letter, which is common in many English words, such as 'gnome' and 'hymn'. Over time, the pronunciation of 'hn' in 'histor' changed to 'hn', and eventually the 'h' was dropped entirely.

2. Regional Variations

Additionally, linguistic regions and social status can influence whether or not the 'h' in 'historian' is pronounced. In early modern England, the working class and rural populations often dropped the 'h' sound in many words, including 'historian'. This pronunciation has persisted in certain regions, especially in the UK, where it is still commonly used.

Why Characters in 'La Belle Sauvage' Say 'An Istorian'

In La Belle Sauvage, the pronunciation 'istorian' is intentionally used as a marker of character and setting. The following points explain the linguistic and narrative reasons for this choice.

1. Characterization

The characters who use the pronunciations 'istorian' likely come from backgrounds with strong regional or social accents. This detail can contribute to their unique personalities and cultural background, making them stand out from other characters. The use of 'istorian' might also reflect the educational or professional background of the speakers, suggesting that they are associated with less academic or more vernacular settings.

2. Atypical and Archetypal Representations

Another purpose of using 'istorian' is to create an archetypal representation. In La Belle Sauvage, the characters who say 'istorian' might embody certain archetypal roles, such as the raucous, working-class father figure or the rural, uneducated but intuitive character. The phonetic variation serves as a subtle way to differentiate these roles from the more intellectual, refined, and educated characters who use the standard pronunciation.

3. Stylistic Choice

From a stylistic perspective, the author's decision to include 'istorian' in the text is an intentional difference that adds to the novel's authenticity. It brings a real-world, quasi-historical flavor to the narrative, making the characters and their speech more believable and relatable. The text becomes less of a rigid, polished literary work and more of a living, breathing story with subtle, authentic touches.

Conclusion

The way characters in Philip Pullman's La Belle Sauvage pronounce 'historian' as 'istorian' is not just a quirk of pronunciation but a deliberate choice with multiple layers of meaning. It reflects the linguistic and cultural nuances of the characters and the setting, bringing a rich, authentic flavor to the novel's narrative. Understanding these nuances not only enhances the reading experience but also provides valuable insights into the importance of language in literature.