I have heard the 'haitch' pronunciation in real life... but only by French-Canadians! Many French-Canadians who are only semi-fluent in English pronounce the silent h's in English words, such as 'hour' (it becomes 'hower').

"Don't notice it until I have spent a while in the Wadjellah (non aboriginal) community, then when you go back to our mob.. it sticks out like a sore thumb !"

Do the aboriginals say over there "what that is?" if they're asking what something is? I've often wondered if it's a regional thing or if it's done all over in aboriginal communities. It drives me nuts and although I'm sure it's just a part of the language for them I have to correct it

Native speakers of French sounding all aitches that appear in written English is another example of 'hypercorrection', presumably.

guitargoddess, you're right, I'd forgotten aobut the French Canadian accent.

Bloomsby, I think you're right, or it may be the same strategy I use when deciding whether a French word is "le" or "la" - I just pick one and use it all the time, figuring I'll be correct half the time, at least.

Copago, sure do ..do the Eastern States mob tack "unna" on to the end of everything ? Unna can mean "do you agree with me?" "thats right isn't it" or with a slightly different inflection "is that true ?".

I'm in a minority of one here so far, but I grew up hearing haitch all around me, both at home, school and work, and hearing it pronounced aitch still grates even if it is the 'correct' pronunciation

*Santana toddles off to 'ide 'er face in the shame of her unknowing ignorance*

ah yes but you grew up in Ireland so that supports the Catholic theory but it's funny that it never became common in America.

I've said it so often in the last few days that I'm almost lost on how I do say it. I would have thought I said 'haitch' but I know when I'm teaching my son it is 'aitch'. perhaps I change it to the circumstance.

"Aitch." How about library? Liberry? arrhg.

Definitely "aitch" for me.

"Haitch" for me.

I've always said "haitch". "Aitch" sounds like the person in question is dropping the letter in question, so I associate it with England. :P Most letters' names have their sound in it, which is why I feel it makes more sense to say "haitch" :P