Back in my student days in Canada (fresh off the boat from India), I often found myself tongue-tied over pronouncing brand names and foods. Learning to pronounce “Nike” properly was just the beginning – then came the challenges of tackling Mexican dishes like “Quesadillas” and “Fajitas”! It’s like that famous line from Amitabh Bachchan: “English is a funny language.” But beneath the humor lies truth.
Brands and designers often grumble about incorporating regional languages into their designs – especially when it comes to shop fascia and retail design. Regional languages get stepchild treatment and are shoved into a corner simply to pacify the legal (sometimes political) need. Yet, there’s a hidden gem in this linguistic tango: correct pronunciation. While English may fall short in this regard, regional languages excel.
Think about it – names like Haagen Dazs, Volkswagen, Balenciaga, Movenpick, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Hermes, and my favorite which I still struggle to pronounce – L’Occitane, are much easier when read in the regional language. (If you don’t believe me, see the image I’ve shared.)
Ever found yourself tongue-tied over tricky brand names? Share your thoughts and those challenging pronunciations you’ve encountered – I’d love to hear them!
#BrandNaming #Branding #RetailDesign #CulturalLinguistics #Strategy
