Hyperforeignism

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A hyperforeignism is a type of hypercorrection where speakers identify an inaccurate pattern in loanwords from a foreign language and then apply that pattern to other loanwords (either from the same language or a different one).^[1] This results in a pronunciation of those loanwords which does not reflect the rules of either language.^[2] For example, the ⟨n⟩ in habanero is pronounced as [n] in Spanish (close to [n] in English), but English speakers often pronounce it with /nj/, approximating [ɲ] as if it were spelled habañero.^[3] The proposed explanation is that English speakers are familiar with other Spanish loanwords like piñata and jalapeño, and incorrectly assume that all (or most) Spanish words have [ɲ] in place of [n].

Hyperforeignisms can manifest in a number of ways, including the application of the spelling or pronunciation rules of one language to a word borrowed from another;^[4] an incorrect application of a language's pronunciation; and pronouncing loanwords as though they were borrowed more recently, ignoring an already established naturalized pronunciation. Hyperforeignisms may similarly occur when a word is thought to be a loanword from a particular language when it is not.

Intentional hyperforeignisms can be used for comedic effect, such as pronouncing Report with a silent ⟨t⟩ in The Colbert Report or pronouncing Target as /tɑːrˈʒeɪ/ tar-ZHAY, as though it were an upscale boutique.^[5] This form of hyperforeignism is a way of poking fun at those who earnestly adopt foreign-sounding pronunciations of pseudo-loanwords.^[6]

Similarly, speakers who echo hyperforeign pronunciations without the intention of approximating a foreign-language pattern are also not practicing hyperforeignization; thus, pronouncing habanero as if it were spelled habañero is not a hyperforeignism if one is not aware that the word has been borrowed from Spanish.^[6]