The issue turned into a drama when veteran actress Nok Sinjai Plengpanich discussed on a program about being criticized by a director for pronouncing the consonant clusters R-L too distinctly, which sparked online debate. Recently, she was interviewed about the controversy. Nok Sinjai shared her perspective on the drama.
She said, "Actually, he didn't forbid us; the director isn't new either. But he suggested not to pronounce the consonant clusters too clearly, not like in school, just speak naturally. We wondered why because we want to be clear. We think it should set a good example. Incidentally, Nok Chatchai was directly addressed as well. The younger person said, ‘Nok, don't over-pronounce the consonant clusters, just speak normally.’ Nok said, ‘Well, it seems times have changed.’ But we're from the older generation and love the Thai language. We feel that as actors and media personnel, communication is very important. Especially in musicals, clarity is crucial; otherwise, the audience won't understand what is being said, which is regrettable."
She explained it was really an exchange about how times have changed. Some say, ‘It's okay, go with the times; younger generations might not watch if it's too formal; they might find it old-fashioned.’ So it was more of a discussion. That led to the issue, but there was disagreement. However, we aren't angry or hostile. We just recognize the world is changing, but some things should still be preserved.
Pronunciation of consonant clusters like R (ruea) and L (ling) relates to communication, and for actors, this is very important. We feel regretful. If there's something we can still maintain, we want to do so. Even if someone says, ‘Don't speak so clearly,’ we don't always speak clearly; sometimes we forget or slip up.
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