Have you noticed that there is no "tr---" word read as "t..r"- they're all read as "ch"?

Question

I just noticed this yesterday- but can you believe it!? Every single "tr---" word in the American (I'm not sure about the "english") languge is pronounced as "ch---" ; there is no word read as "t..r..."!

Answer 1

When read with proper enunciation, the "tr" sound should sound like "t-r." However, most of the time, we speak quickly and slur our sounds. This is why "tree" sounds like "chree" and "truck" sounds like "chruck."

Answer 2

Hmmm. I think that is just a colloquial pronunciation of those words. I for one do pronounce the 'tr' sound as it should be, but I'm an Aussie.

From my perspective, there are a lot of words and sounds that Americans pronounce differently to how it is written. And the same for some poms! Just listen to Jamie Oliver (the Naked Chef), or Super Nanny! I think it is mostly a local thing and also to do with you education and background. My family was very in enunciation.

But then again - I know you guys think we talk funny too, but no worries mate. She'll be right.

Answer 3

I'm not entirely sure what you mean!!

Taking 'train' as an example, do you mean 'ch' as in 'chain', or do you mean 'ch' as in 'chrain'??

Either way, I'm a very lucky person, because I've been spared hearing the English language mangled and mutilated in such an outrageous way!!!

Are you sure it's not just the way you are hearing it?? Anyway, if they ARE saying 'ch', I dare-say it's just a 'local' dialect or accent, so if you make sure YOU pronounce these words clearly you'll be able to be understood by any English speaking person!!

Answer 4

Yes I have. That is because you use the same vocal chords and your mouth is positioned the same in "ch" and "tr."

Answer 5

i don't think so. there are a lot of words that start with "tr" that doesn't sound like "ch".

Answer 6

Train, Tracheotomy, Try, Trivia