Why "L" is sillent in "ella" while pronounce. Is there any rule

Question

Is there any specific rule with "L" to be silent while pronounce, ex: "ella"

http://www.spanishdict.com/translate/ella

Thanks in advance. keerthi

Answer 1

A single Spanish "L" is pronounced (almost) like "L" in English.

A double Spanish "LL" is pronounced exactly like the Spanish "Y."

thanks for clarification. - lkeerthi, Jan 1, 2012

Not exactly like a Y according to Lazarus, but he never said what the difference was except that it was next to impossible to hear. - rabbitwho, Jan 1, 2012

@rabbitwho, just to be clear...I said the Spanish Y, not the English Y. Yes, I agree, the Spanish Y/LL sound is different than the English Y. - webdunce, Jan 3, 2012

The Spanish Y/LL sound varies from region to region. It ranges from very nearly an English Y sound to almost an English J to a strong SH (in Argentina). - webdunce, Jan 3, 2012

Answer 2

Sometimes i find ll prononced almost like the english j.

I believe that true in some regions. I don't remember where though. - Gregory84, Jan 1, 2012

Here in Mexico I hear the "LL" pronounced like "J" =) - NikkiLR, Jan 1, 2012

In Colombia too. - rabbitwho, Jan 1, 2012