Montage 2010

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The Language

Language is one of the most important aspects of one's culture. So, while you're in Seville, below are some tips on embracing the language of your hosts.

 

Pronunciation: Vowels

A: as in the 'u' in 'nut, or a shorter sound than the 'a' in 'art'

E: as in 'et'

I: between the 'i' in 'marine' and the 'i'  in 'flip'

O: similar to the  'o' in 'hot'

U: as the 'oo' in 'fool'

 

Consonants

B: soft, as the 'v' in 'van

C: as in 'cat' before 'a', 'o', 'u' or a consonant; as the 'th' in 'thin' before 'e' and 'i'

Ch: as in 'choose'

D: as 'dog' when word initial; elsewhere as the 'th' in 'thin'

G: as in 'go' when initial and followed by 'a', 'o' or 'u', elsewhere softer. Before 'e' or 'i' it's a harsh, breathy sound, a bit like the 'h' in 'hit'

H: always silent

J: a harsh, glutteral sound similar to the 'ch' in Scottish loch

Ll: between the 'lli' in 'million' and then 'y' in 'yell'

Q: always followed by a silent 'u' and either 'e' (as in que) and 'i' (as in aqui), the combined sound of qu is like the 'k' in 'kick'

R: a rolled 'r' sound; longer and stronger when word-initial or doubled

S: as in 'send'

V: same sound as Spanish b

X: as the 'x' in 'taxi' when between two vowels; as the 's' in 'say' before a consonant

Z: as the 'th' in 'thin'

 

Common Words and Phrases