When you encounter a word that you are unsure how to pronounce, William Strunk Jr.'s advice encourages you to speak it out loud anyway. This straightforward recommendation aims to help individuals overcome their hesitations and uncertainties about unfamiliar words.
Strunk's encouragement goes beyond mere pronunciation; it embodies a broader principle of boldness in language use and self-improvement. By speaking a word aloud, even when unsure, one can gain confidence and possibly learn the correct pronunciation from feedback or context. This advice also promotes an attitude of embracing challenges rather than avoiding them due to fear of making mistakes. It suggests that linguistic growth often comes through active engagement with new vocabulary, overcoming initial barriers, and learning from experience.
William Strunk Jr., the author of this quote, was a professor at Cornell University known for his work on English composition. He is best recognized as the creator of "The Elements of Style," a classic guide to writing that emphasizes clarity and conciseness in language use. Strunk's advice reflects his broader philosophy about mastering the nuances of effective communication through practice and perseverance.
