Why do British change the number of syllables in words when they pronounce them?

Question

For example,laboratory becames la-bor-a tree instead of lab-or-a-to-ry..5 syllables,not 4.

Answer 1

They do not change the style of the word. They use Old World English which is correct and "we" meaning Americans actually use the language incorrectly. We have made a sub language of English just like we are the only country that drives on the "wrong side" of the street.

Answer 2

It's just a different regional dialect where words are pronounced differently.

Although I think that both Americans and British pronounce 'laboratory' with the same number of syllables; British say 'la-bor-a-tree', Americans tend to say 'lab-ra-to-ry'. Both seem to have four syllables. I've rarely heard anyone actually enunciate every spelled sound to create 'lab-or-a-to-ry'.

Hope that helps!

Answer 3

Well the British used English first so the question should really be.


Why do Americans change the number of syllables in words when they pronounce them?

Answer 4

I really don't know. I suppose it because their way of spelling the English language is just different from ours. Like, they put a k at the end of the word magick and when they write other things they stick an e on the end, when we do not. Actually, they call a laboratory a lib or it tory...or they pronounce it that way. Strange, hugh? :>)

Answer 5

Just a divergence in a common language. It happens any time a common trait is divided between two populations. Think of it as evolution in linguistic terms.

Answer 6

Are you sure its them and not you?