Pronunciation of "B" and "V", and "ll"

My written materials indicate that a "v" is pronounced like a "b," i.e., as 'beh." But, in the interactive course, Mauricio seems to go back and forth between this convention, AND pronouncing a "B" like an ENGLISH "V." Examples abound. Is the point that they can both be pronounced as the other? Secondly. "ll" seems to be pronouncec by Mauricio, in most instances, like a soft English "j" or as an English "zh", i.e., "bello" as "beh-zho". Can anyone enlighten me? Thanks, aowats

Hi aowats, As no one else has replied I will answer your question as it was explained to me. In spain "V"s are pronounced as "B"s. If you ask why, you will be given quite a few different reasons, best to just accept that this is the case, as you will have heard, if you have traveled to Spain. In america del sur however it appears that this is not the case and "V"s are pronounced as "V"s. You will also learn that "C"s in Spain are pronounced "TH" so for example cerca is pronounced "therca", not so in south america. Regarding the "ll" question. From my different studies on different sites and also talking to people from different parts of the Spanish speaking world, it seems that it is a dialect thing. In other words it just depends on where you are from as to how you pronounce it. Don't let it bother you, when you have heard it enough times spoken differently you will come to realise it's no big deal. Good luck with the studies keep at it!!!!!! Lee

If it's of any help to you, I can confirm what Lee said. Further more, not only is it a local thing, but the locals don't seem to agree with each other either. :D As Lee said, don't let it bother you, as it doesn't bother " Them " Antonio

The question of how to pronounce b and v has been discussed a number of times on this forum. As Antonio has pointed out, the pronunciation varies from region to region, and sometimes within a region as well. Within South and Central America, you'll hear both pronunciations. In another thread, Amy Waterman mentioned that in Ecuador, the b and the v are indistinguishable. I've found this to be true when speaking to Mexicans as well. Mauricio, in the same thread, states that in Chile, the b and the v are pronounced differently. See __http://spanish.rocketlanguages.com/post2965.html?hilit=pronounce#p2965__. Regional differences also account for differences in the way ll (as in calle) is pronounced.

Thanks to all responders, very helpful, aowats