Commonly Mispronounced Words 21 - dais, tricolour

On 26th January and 15th August, these 2 words are heard throughout the country. 

The first is 'dais' which refers to a raised platform. The correct pronunciation of this word is 'day-us'. Most people pronounce this word as die-us. Now it is interesting to note that this pronunciation is acceptable in American English. But if you follow the British English pronunciation for most words, you suddenly cannot switch to American. And Indians do follow the British style of pronunciation. So if you want to be true to form stick to 'day-us'. In any case, even in American English the preferred form is 'day-us'. डेअस.

The second word is 'tricolour' which refers to the Indian National Flag. The correct pronunciation is 'trick-uh-luh'. Most people pronounce this word as 'try-cull-uh'. Again the latter pronunciation is the American pronunciation of the word. But again if you want to be true to form, stick to trick-uh-luh or ट्रिक अ लर. Though be prepared to get some strange looks if you choose this option. Even people who barely know English will walk up and correct you. But then the right path was never strewn with flowers.