Why does a double "L" sound like a "J" on my Spanish learning disc?

Question

Two "L"s together are pronounced as a "Y" in Spanish. Then why do I hear a distinct "J" when a double "L" is pronounced on my Spanish learning disc? Is that pronunciation from a different area of Spanish speaking peoples than Spain or Mexico?

I appreciate so much your quick response and clarification. - babsie, Mar 2, 2010

Answer 1

Yes, you are right. The "y" sound is pronounced differently in different parts of the world. For example, in Peru, it is a hard J sound. In Argentina, it is a soft j/sh sound. In Colombia, it is somewhere in between a j and a y. In Spain, at least in Cataluña, it generally sounds like a y as far as I know. This is all from what I have noticed personally, so I am sure there are different pronunciations even within each country. Hope this helps.

Thank you for taking the time to elucidate me. I appreciate it. - babsie, Mar 2, 2010