Answers
Apr 29, 2013 - 05:45 PM
Every country and even region does it a little different. I'm not a native speaker, but learned in Colombia, and am married to a Spaniard so we're there every year in Spain. I think this is one of those things not to "sweat." Like we do with certain things in English.
As a Gringo observation, it sort of reminds me how "fast and loose" we play with vowel sounds in English depending on which part of the US or UK you're from. "A" sounds like "ah" in some areas, and "ai" and "uh" or "Ae" in others.
You're right about the production of V and B- V I've heard referred to as "labidental" or produced by lip and teeth - and B as "labial" produced only with lips. But that's getting deep in the linguistic "weeds" probably. But here's more on the subject: http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/B
As a Gringo observation, it sort of reminds me how "fast and loose" we play with vowel sounds in English depending on which part of the US or UK you're from. "A" sounds like "ah" in some areas, and "ai" and "uh" or "Ae" in others.
You're right about the production of V and B- V I've heard referred to as "labidental" or produced by lip and teeth - and B as "labial" produced only with lips. But that's getting deep in the linguistic "weeds" probably. But here's more on the subject: http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/B
Apr 29, 2013 - 08:53 PM
I was directed by one Spanish text (not Fluenz) to pronounce both "b" and "v" as more of a combined "bv" sound. This works fine and dandy for most words, but I agree that for certain words it seems a slightly more defined "b" or "v" is appropriate. But it's my understanding that for most native Spanish speakers, the sounds are somewhat indistinguishable. And even for those folks who can hear the difference, they wouldn't necessarily consider one way (and only one way) to be correct.
Apr 29, 2013 - 09:13 PM
yes, it is a bilabial fricative, a sound not in English but sounds sort of like a combination bv/ Purse your lips, blow air out them, letting them vibrate
much easier than the rolled r
much easier than the rolled r
May 13, 2013 - 12:04 AM
I would term it a bilabial plosive as the voiced equivalent of the letter P. The B and V appear to be pronounced the same in most situations. This is even recognized by the Real Academia Espanola.
May 24, 2013 - 06:36 PM
I have always pronounced 'v' like "vah-bah" smashed together. Starting with the v shape in my lips and then, as if my lips changed her mind, ending with b sound. So it kind of sounds like "vuh-bah-amanos" for vamanos. I could be wrong, but no native speaker has said anything about it or said my accent sounds beautiful. I hear both V and B sounds depending on where people are from. I don't think I've ever heard a HARD "B" sound. So its either a VB mix like I do, a hard V, or a soft B that's almost like my VB mix.
Jun 06, 2013 - 02:55 PM
My Spanish teacher prounounces the "v" as such when she wants to clarify a word, otherwise like a "b"
Jan 07, 2014 - 10:20 AM
I agree with Randy's observation and it also frustrates me. In an early lesson Sonia clearly says that v and b are pronounced the same, and as a "b". In lesson 14 it is extremely obvious that she pronounces "vamos" with a "v". Her upper teeth touch her lower lips. No problem except that there is a stark contradiction. Should I do as Sonia says, or as Sonia does?
Jan 07, 2014 - 10:35 AM
En español v is pronounced "b" as in boy but it is a soft "b" which probably is what you find confusing.
Jan 07, 2014 - 10:39 AM
Thanks Lisa. I keep hearing that and this is consistent with what Sonia says at the beginning. I interpret your answer then that I am supposed to do what Sonia says and not what she does - therefore keep pronouncing a "v" like a soft "b" and not like Sonia does in lesson 14, which clearly is pronouncing the first letter of "vamos" like a "v".