Is "Sparkling" 2 or 3 sylables?

Answer 1

It can actually be EITHER.

I'm not sure why, but no one seems to have searched much to see if dictionaries do anything with this.

The answer (based on dictionaries) is that the two syllable pronunciation is most often preferred. BUT some dictionaries also list an alternative with a very slight, unaccented vowel (called a "schwa", usually marked by a backwards, upside-down e -- like this ə).

Note the following Merriam-Webster entry which includes the ə in parentheses, to indicate that it is an alternative.
http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/sparkle

The fact that no vowel is written is not exactly the point. There are MANY instances where a slight vowel sound is inserted in pronunciation, to make words easier to pronounce. Some of these (as in "sparkling") are more easily pronounced without the added sound, so many do not do so. But others use it in MOST if not all English dialects. Consider, for example "battling" -- most pronounce it with the ə between the /t/ and /l/. Similarly with "waddling", "hurdling", "giggling", "shuffling" etc.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

Two syllables, though it doesn't always come out that way.

If you say the word slowly, the K will not be voiced (in other words, your vocal cords won't vibrate), and you won't get the three-syllable effect. But in reality, most English speakers apply voicing to the K sound because it's between two voiced consonants (the R and the L), and it's hard to shut off your voicing for the K when you're speaking quickly. So you say "kuh."

This might sound like an extra syllable, but it isn't. Try actually saying spar-kuh-ling, and you'll see that it sounds much different from how everyone says "sparkling."

Answer 4

It's 2 syllables, definitely. When I have a question like that, I always go to http://www.dictionary.com. Hope that helps!

Answer 5

Two syllables

Answer 6

it is 2 syllables spark-ling

Answer 7

2 - unless you misspronounce it as sparkeling!