The pronunciation of names can often be a source of confusion, especially when it comes to public figures. One name that has frequently been mispronounced is that of Vice President Kamala Harris.
Despite its seeming simplicity, many people struggle with the correct pronunciation, including WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan (who actually wrestled Kamala the wrestler), sometimes conflating it with other similarly spelled names.
Let’s dive into the correct pronunciation of Kamala Harris’s name and dispel some common misconceptions.
Read More – Every Hulk Hogan Controversy: Belzer Lawsuit, Gawker, Leaked Tape and Kamala Harris
The Correct Pronunciation of Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris’s first name is pronounced “KAH-muh-luh”
The emphasis is on the first syllable, with the second and third syllables being unstressed. A helpful way to remember this is to think of the word “comma” followed by “la.”
Breaking it Down
- First syllable: “KAH” (rhymes with “ah”)
- Second syllable: “muh” (like the “mu” in “music”)
- Third syllable: “luh” (like the “la” in “lava”)
It’s important to note that the second “a” in Kamala is pronounced as a schwa sound (?), which is an unstressed vowel sound.
Common Mispronunciations
Many people mistakenly place the stress on the second syllable, pronouncing it as “kuh-MAH-luh.” This is incorrect and not how the Vice President pronounces her own name.
The confusion may stem from several factors:
- Unfamiliarity with the name’s origin
- Regional accent differences
- Deliberate mispronunciation by some public figures
Kamala Harris vs. Kamala the Wrestler
One source of confusion is the similarity between Vice President Harris’s name and that of James Arthur Harris, a professional wrestler who performed under the name “Kamala.” However, these names are not pronounced the same way.
Kamala the Wrestler
The wrestler’s stage name “Kamala” is typically pronounced “kuh-MAH-luh,” with the stress on the second syllable. This differs from the Vice President’s pronunciation, which stresses the first syllable.
The Importance of Correct Pronunciation
Pronouncing someone’s name correctly is a matter of respect and cultural sensitivity. For public figures like Kamala Harris, correct pronunciation is particularly important as it affects how they are perceived and addressed in media and public discourse.
Cultural Significance
Kamala is a name of Indian origin, meaning “lotus” in Sanskrit. Mispronouncing it can be seen as disrespectful to both the individual and their cultural heritage.
Tips for Remembering the Correct Pronunciation
If you’re struggling to remember how to pronounce Kamala Harris’s name, here are some helpful tips:
- Think “comma” + “la”
- Remember it rhymes with “Pamela”
- Practice saying it out loud
Intentional mispronunciation of Kamala Harris’s name has been used as a political tactic by some opponents during the recent Presidential race. This deliberate mispronunciation is often seen as an attempt to “other” her or mark her as outside the mainstream.
News outlets and public speakers have a responsibility to pronounce names correctly, especially those of public figures.
Many have made efforts to educate their staff and audiences on the correct pronunciation of Kamala Harris’s name, which we hopefully have done here.
