I can't figure out the sound of "ll" and "y."
I'm trying to figure out how to do the "ll" sound in Spanish and I'm having the hardest time. I always pronounced it as a "y," but now I'm hearing it like "j" or a "zh" sound.
Is it eja (ella) **or is it ezha (ella)**
Also, my Spanish teacher said I'm not pronouncing the y correct like in the word, apoyo.
Can anyone help me out?
4 Answers
In addressing the real question of 'is there a uniform pronunciation of spanish'? The answer is a resounding 'no'. There IS however a 'standard spanish' that is taught in universities and the like, but no, there are variations in pronunciation wherever you go.
The standard pronunciation for 'ella' would be the 'e-yah' that you heard first. 'E-zha' would be the variation (then again, 'e-yah' for the person that pronounces in that fashion would find the 'standard way' to be the variation..in the eye of the beholder). Just stick to what you're most used to and comfortable with.
-Charlius-
As previously noted, the J or Y pronunciation varies in the Americas, depending on the country. In Spain, "ella" is pronounced "eliya" with a quick roll from the L to the Y. They also pronounce the C and Z with a "th" at the beginning, depending upon which vowel follows. Lucky you!
It is my understanding that ll can be pronounced as yuh, juh, or zhuh (kind of like the dge in judge). I have heard y be pronounced as yuh and juh (and I don't know if zhuh is a possible pronunciation or not).
It will vary by region, and you should pronounce it as your Spanish teacher desires while in her class. Also, you can change the sound if you find yourself in a group that uses one pronunciation or the other.
I have definitely heard yo get pronounced jo and yo. And I have heard ll get pronounced all three ways.
WARNING: I am not a native speaker...nor even an advanced non-native speaker.
ll_-elle
hope I helped
