"The ultimate standard of pronunciation for the English language is the usage that prevails among the best-educated portion of the people to whom the language is vernacular; or, at least, the usage that will be most generally approved by them."
Campbell's law of the good usage of a word applies with much force to its pronunciation. This law requires this usage to be, first, reputable, or the practice of intelligent and educated persons; second, national, as opposed to provincial or foreign; third, present, or the usage of the generation in which we live.
As representing the best usage in pronunciation, ten of the best dictionaries of the English language published in this country and in England have been selected for reference. The scholarship, labor, and care displayed in these works entitle them to our highest
respect. Many other authorities have been freely consulted, but the resultant of the opinions of those named is rarely changed by the consideration of any others. Many important and obvious considerations justify us in assigning different values to the authorities quoted. In determining the preferred form of pronunciation in the following pages due weight has been given to all these considerations, with the feeling, however, that in the case of a few words a different form from that indicated might with equal propriety be preferred and used by others.
In cases where there is a marked difference in the English and the American usage, and yet nearly an average balance, the preference has been given to the latter.
The compiler has not presumed to give any weight of authority whatever to his own views in determining the pronunciation of words, but he has sought rather to present the views of others who are justly entitled to our highest respect.
OTIS ASHMORE.
March, 1904.