The Pronunciation of Boston Celtics: Beyond the Misunderstood Legend
The Boston Celtics, a storied franchise in the world of professional basketball, have captured the hearts of millions over the years. However, one question often arises: why is the pronunciation of the team's name sometimes misused? This article delves into the historical and linguistic aspects of the term Boston Celtics, exploring its intended meaning and the reasons behind its pronunciation.
The Name's Origin and Historical Context
The name Boston Celtics was chosen when the team was established in 1946. Initially, the intention was to evoke a sense of pride and connection to the rich Irish cultural heritage of Boston. The team wanted to honor the Irish community in the city, emphasizing a shared identity and tradition.
According to Kevin J, both the Irish and the Welsh use the letter 'C' to indicate the sound represented by 'K' in the English language. However, due to the historical influence of the French language and its pronunciation system, the term 'seltic' became popular for a time. This pronunciation persisted in some circles, particularly in certain sports teams, such as the US football team.
It is worth noting that keltoi, the original Greek name for these people, aligns with a more accurate pronunciation. The term keltoi and the linguistic practices of the Celtic peoples themselves suggest that 'keltic' is a more authentic representation.
The Official Pronunciation and Its Usage
Despite the historical and etymological considerations, the official and commonly accepted pronunciation of the Boston Celtics is seltic. This pronunciation reflects the team's original intent to honor the Irish culture of Boston, as it more closely resembles the French pronunciation.
It is important to understand that pronunciations can vary based on regional and personal preferences. In many places, calling the team the 'selTIC' is entirely acceptable, especially among fans and within the city of Boston itself. However, within the context of formal or written communication, 'seltic' remains the correct spelling and pronunciation according to the team's official name.
Etymology and Linguistic Practices
In English, we have long had the word Celtic, which originates from the Latin word. During late Latin times, the pronunciation of 'c' before a front vowel (i or e) was 's,' similar to how we pronounce words like 'city' or 'cellar.' Therefore, 'ce- or ci-' in English is normally soft, leading to the pronunciation 'seltic.'
However, in more recent times, music and folklore enthusiasts have reintroduced the pronunciation with a hard 'C,' reflecting the traditional pronunciation of the term in the Celtic languages. This newer pronunciation, 'keltic,' has gained prominence in the late 20th century, especially within scholarly and musical circles.
The Boston Celtics' Historical Naming
The Boston Celtics basketball team was founded in 1946 and named in honor of the Irish of Boston. The team chose to use the term they had, reflecting the Irish cultural heritage of the city. It's important to recognize that sometimes, the way one refers to their own name or cultural heritage can be highly personal and is not necessarily wrong, regardless of the prevailing standard.
This discussion brings us back to the personal names of our ancestors. My direct paternal ancestor, a member of the Irish immigrant community, arrived in Ireland around 1800 and was illiterate. Upon landing in Philadelphia and making his way to upstate New York, someone recorded his name in the current spelling. This unusual spelling and pronunciation can be seen as a unique historical artifact, but it is not wrong. Other families may have similar variations or unique spelling practices, but that does not make their usage incorrect.
In conclusion, the correct pronunciation of the Boston Celtics, as recognized by the team, is 'seltic.' Understanding the etymology and historical context of the term helps to appreciate the rich cultural heritage it represents.