One of the problems we hear
in class is people eliminating syllables. For example, pronouncing
the three syllable word "predator" [prƐ də tər] as the two
syllable word “player” [ple: yər]. Here are some others we’ve heard in class:
- “squirrel” [skwIr əl] and “school” [sku:l] (2 syllables reduced to 1)
- “minimum” [mI nə məm] and “memo” [mƐ mo] (3 syllables reduced to 2)
- “exterior” [Ɛks ti:r i ər] and “extra” [Ɛks črə] (4 syllables reduced to 2)
This is a problem. If you
have the wrong number of syllables, it will be difficult for the listener to understand
what you’re trying to say.
The closest analogy I can
think of offhand is the difference between 恵子、結構、and 傾向.
Context can help the listener, so that 恵子です will seldom be misinterpreted as 結構です,
but it’s still an obvious error that you want to avoid.
Please use English well!
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