Pronunciation of "General"

[Williamyh]

Dear all,

I was wondering how to pronounce "General" correctly, I hear some people speak with two syllables, like "Genral", that means the "e" in the middle of general would be silence....some people speak with three syllables, like "Gen na ral"....Let me know if you answer my question, thanks a lot.


W

[raindoctor]

Tempo is one important factor in English. In slow speech or when you emphasize "general", you hear 3 syllables; otherwise, 2 syllables.

r, l, m, n have two varieties: vocalic (schwa + r/l/m/n); consonantal/syllabic ones.

In fast speech, you end up hearing the second version.