Talk:Vaho

Spelling

I've reverted the change in spelling from Bajo to Vajo, because, if the person who claims this is correct, the article should be retitled and moved to "Bajo". Since there is some disagreement over the spelling, I'd suggest that some citation be provided to confirm the correct spelling.--JAXHERE | ^Talk 15:41, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

You were right by doing so, Jaxhere! The correct spelling for this Nicaraguan dish is "vaho" with a "v" not with a "b". So, whoever said otherwise is wrong because using b for v is just bad spelling popularized by the masses (very much like when people in the US writes da hood for the hood) creating confusion among people with weak grammar.

Thus, vaho is a Spanish word used to name a dish cooked in "light vapor". So, there is no morphological mystery or language ambiguity about its spelling and anyone may check any good Spanish, or Spanish/English dictionary, or encyclopedia to confirm that "vaho" means "vapor" or "exhalation". Also, the educated classes or any education institution can attest to this.

Now, on the historical aspect, there is never been any confusion about vaho being a native Nicaraguan dish. Therefore, suggesting an African admix sounds unrealistic for there is a very small African population in Central America (except for Belice or Panama) traditionally concentrated along the East Coast beyond mountains, rivers, swamps, and jungles isolated from the mainstream population of the region. Also in the case of Nicaragua, blacks are native English speakers who have developed their own distinctive cuisine where the Spanish word "vaho" would not have made any sense unless borrowed and where coconut milk is present in almost every dish unlike the rest of the country. Otherwise, African influences would be visible in every aspect of Nicaraguan or Central American culture.

When it comes to the pronunciation of letters "b" and "v", there was a difference until the early 1900's but that has been lost in every Spanish speaking country, including Spain. That is, both b and v are pronounced the same way depending on position within a word or sentence or when emphasizing the v. Therefore, when b or v follow a consonant then they are both pronounced as strong b (closing your lips). Examples: tolva, alba. Now, when v or b go between vowels they are both pronounced as soft b (barely closing your lips). Examples: oveja, abeja. Anyone may check Enciclopedia Espasa or Diccionario Larousse, 1989, pg 124 (for letter b), and pg 1046 (for letter v).

However, seniors and older grammar books from the 40's or 50's still emphasize the historical pronounciation difference between the two letters but modern dictionaries acknowledge otherwise. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Martinete (talk • contribs) 06:10, 4 August 2010‎