An Arizona news anchor for Channel 12 (KPNX) addressed critics who have complained about the fact that she pronounces Spanish words "in Spanish" during the English broadcast.

According to Sandra Kotzambasis, the news director for the local station, certain viewers were asking why TV reporter Vanessa Ruiz "rolled her 'Rs,'" reports The New York Times. For example, some viewers objected to the way Ruiz pronounces "Casa Grande" or "Mesa," a large city in Arizona.

"Locals pronounce it 'May-suh,' but many Spanish speakers and natives say 'Mess-uh,'" said Kotzambasis.

In response, Ruiz unapologetically explained that she grew up in a bilingual household and prefers to pronounce words the way the language is intended to be spoken.

"Some of you have noticed that I pronounce a couple of things maybe a little bit differently than what you are used to, and I get that, and maybe even tonight you saw a little bit of it," said Ruiz during the 10 p.m. news broadcast on Monday.

"I was lucky enough to grow up speaking two languages, and I have lived in other cities, in the U.S., South America, and Europe," she continued. "So yes, I do like to pronounce certain things the way they are meant to be pronounced. And I know that change can be difficult, but it's normal and over time I know that everything falls into place."

Ruiz, who was born in Miami and grew up in Colombia, also addressed her critics in a statement posted on the station's website, which reads, "Let me be clear: 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."

She added, "I don't intend to come to Phoenix and do things 'my way,' however my goal is to stay authentic to who I am while, hopefully, making our newscasts more open and inclusive to everyone, no matter where they come from."

Prior to joining the local news station in Phoenix, Ruiz worked for Spanish-language Telemundo and English-language KNBC in Los Angeles.