The Vowel Brigade

English is a language which is not too generous with alphabets. If you have to write in the English language, you just have 26 alphabets at your disposal.

There are 5 alphabets out of this 26 which stand out. They are the vowels - a, e, i, o, and u. And sometimes, only sometimes, "y" is considered to be a vowel.

If we go by strict dictionary parlance, a vowel is a speech sound, created by the relatively free passage of breath through the larynx and oral cavity, usually forming the most prominent and central sound of a syllable.

This is in sharp contrast to consonants - a speech sound produced by a partial or complete obstruction of the air stream by any of various constrictions of the speech organs.

The main theme here is the passage of air - vowels allow a free passage, whereas as consonants rely on obstruction.

And why are we thinking so much about vowels? Well, you will understand soon.

These vowels have something in special.

Let's play a short memory game.

Just recollect the name of a lady in your family. And the name of girl with whom you study or lady with whom you work.

And a lady who is a popular public figure in your country. And a lady who is a well known sports person.

And an actress whom you fancy (or envy) the most. And maybe a few random lady friends who come on the top of your mind right away.

And now if you have compiled the list in your mind, just check up how many of these ladies have their names ending with a vowel.

If I'm not wrong, more than 80% of them would have had their names end in a vowel.

This is the Vowel Brigade.

Isn't that surprising?

I am also intrigued by this unusual fact. While you will have names of ladies ending with a consonant, they will be mere exceptions.

And why do most of these girls have their names end with a vowel?

Well, one reason I can think is the vowels are said to be alphabets which are to be spelled softly. And maybe this is the reason for having them at the end of the names of the grils - to showcase their feminine side.

But I may be wrong after all. And you can keep thinking about other reasons for this strange yet remarkable occurence.

And have a look at this interesting cartoon below.

Did you notice something special? :-)

Keep thinking. And let me know your thoughts.