BOTH one and two!
This is a good example of how "syllables" can be artificial, a useful tool, but not always accurately describing how we speak.
Of course, for those who say "ar" the answer is simple --one.
But in "standard" English dialects, the two combined vowels (or "diphthong") each make a distinct sound. Ordinarily, that is not a problem -- the same sound in "sound" or "out" is easily pronounced as one syllable. But when followed by an /L/ or /R/ sound, the moving of the mouth between sounds makes this much more difficult. We basically HAVE to add at least a slight "helping vowel" to make it work.
In fact, if you look up the pronunciation of the word in dictionaries you will see how they indicate this little, half-vowel (often raised above the line) and may include an alternate pronunciation in which that half-vowel becomes a full 'short e' sound.
Note, for instance the first entry in the following link, which has a one-syllable and two-syllable pronunciation. But the one indicated as a single syllable (as you can see by the fact that NO dashes are used to mark distinct syllables), there is a raised "uh" (also called a "schwa" -- an UN-accented vowel sound that sometimes virtually disappears).
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/our
I would generally argue for ONE syllable, but with the diphthong fully pronounced (NOT "ar"). More support for this -- consider how people SING the sound. It is typically sung to ONE note.
2007-11-28 05:01:19
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answer #1
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answered by bruhaha 7
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2
2007-11-27 23:52:22
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answer #2
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answered by maddog27271 6
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"1 1/2," sort of. :)
As English classes teach, and as the way the DICTIONARY shows in the way it divides words into their syllables, this word is a dipthong like the word -oil- or -boil- or -tire-, -tired-, etc.
Truly, by definition of the word -syllable- itself, these words still just have one of them. But they sort-of sound like two, don't they? That's why I say "1 1/2."
Mike
2007-11-27 23:51:01
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answer #3
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answered by ? 3
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One
2007-11-27 23:50:13
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answer #4
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answered by Firm_Cross 2
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Hour- 2 Our-1 Our in a Poem- 1 or 2
2007-11-27 23:49:45
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answer #5
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answered by Master G 2
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it has one syllable when pronounced correctly. It has a diphthong that gently slides when carefully said.
2007-11-27 23:56:53
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answer #6
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answered by Ohsnaps08 1
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That is a very interesting question. Both, I guess you could say. It really depends on where you are from and what kind of accent you have. I can imagine it both ways and it makes sense in both scenarios.
Very interesting. I will have to ask those around me.
2007-11-27 23:53:53
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answer #7
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answered by thephalkinparadox 3
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It depends on where you live. In the south and on the east coast it's often pronounced like "aw-er" Pronounced like that it has two.
On the west coast it's often pronounced like "are" Pronounced like this it only has one.
2007-11-27 23:53:22
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answer #8
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answered by MeGirl 2
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Depends which region you are from. One if you are from the south, it's pronounced "air."
2007-11-27 23:57:44
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answer #9
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answered by bookluffer 3
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Two. It should be pronounced like "hour." Unfortunately, many pronounce it like "are."
2007-11-27 23:57:12
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answer #10
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answered by viciousvince2001 5
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