Monday night, KPNX anchor Vanessa Ruiz took a few moments to explain herself to viewers of the Phoenix NBC affiliate.
It seems she’s gotten some feedback about how she pronounces some words. Spanish words.
She went on-air to tell viewers she’s happy to be working at KPNX and yes, she does pronounce Spanish words with a Spanish accent.
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Ruiz explains she grew up speaking two languages and has lived all over, so she’s just pronouncing the words “in their natural way.”
“Let me be clear,” said Ruiz. “My intention has never been to be disrespectful or dismissive, quite the contrary. I actually feel I am paying respect to the way some of Arizona’s first, original settlers intended for some things to be said.”