Niche–is it pronounced “nitch” or “neesh”?
When I was at school, I learned English, Latin, and French. Does anyone learn Latin anymore, I wonder? At the time I didn’t realise how much it would influence me in my later years, for I learned to understand the origins of a lot of words that we use here in Australia. Our “native” language here in Australia is based on British English. These days we see and hear American English used a lot, thanks to movies and of course the Internet.
As a blogger, there is one word that tends to irritate me, in the American media, and that is the word “niche” for the American way of saying the word is NITCH!
How do Aussies pronounce NICHE?
We say “neesh”–almost exactly the way the French people would say it. I don’t know how the word is used generally in the US, but niche has different meanings here.
The meaning of the word, according to Dictionary.com is as follows–“A niche is a place or position that’s particularly appropriate for someone or something, especially due to being very specific and different from others. Niche often refers to a position of interest that allows someone or something to thrive in a particular environment.”
In Blogging, it refers to the topic or theme that the blogger writes about. There are other interpretations of the word too–but I will focus on the use of it for writers/bloggers.
British English or American English
The issue with the way the American’s tried to create their own style of English goes back to the very early days of American history. The Americans wanted their own language, and it was easier to “corrupt” English and make it their own. You can read more about it here.
https://time.com/5604227/american-british-english-literature/
Australian English also has some differences from British English and certainly did not initially follow the American language journey. However, American English is impacting on Australia in the 21st century and no doubt on the British.
The Word Police
Now, I am not referring to the word “police” which is derived from a Greek word, but it is a word that is used to refer to some folk (like me) who is fanatical about using proper English–ok, Australian English. I pick up errors (usually minor) in writing anywhere and everywhere, and if I can suitably make a comment or change, I will endeavour to do so.
Some of my writing friends know I have this ability–and sometimes I am both praised and teased about my skill! (I admit I am not perfect and often overlook errors in my own writing).
Bloggers and Niches
Because I blog, and read about the topic or watch videos on the topic I am forever coming across the Americans talking about their “nitches”. And it irritates me, though I am training myself to ignore it.
I think some of my irritation of the word is that these days my blogs are not “niche” related, especially as it is not really a commercial blog. In some sense, it is more journalistic. When I was travelling, it was a travel blog, but since lack of funds, age limitations have interrupted my travel, and of course the dreaded Covid, I tend to ramble in my blog. And my entries are more random. Unless I am in a blogging challenge or similar, my posts are infrequent.
I wonder what would be different if I really had a niche in the market. Mmm. I shall ponder that.
Do you have a “niche” for your blog?
