Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

Hi!

I've got a question that's been bugging me for quite some time. In the past, I once heard my partner, who is Canadian pronounce the word "pasta" with the first 'a' sounding like something the 'a' in "cat". I was very perplexed by this; I grew up in the US and I've always pronounced it and heard it pronounced "pasta" with the 'a' like 'father'. But it's not just him, I've heard it from other Canadians and from TV commercials.

What I find amazing is that this sound isn't just confined to this word. I've heard "parmesan" (last 'a' like 'cat') where I've always said "parmesan" like 'father'. I can't think up any other examples right now, but I'm interested to know where this originated and why just in Canada.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks