LogFAQs > #982811534

The mixing of "L" and "R" sounds by Japanese speakers is due to differences between Japanese and English phonology (the sound systems of the languages). Japanese doesnt have distinct "L" and "R" sounds like English does. Instead, Japanese uses a single sound, known as the "tap" or "flap," which falls between the English "L" and "R" sounds. This sound is represented by the Japanese kana ", , , , " (romanized as "ra, ri, ru, re, ro").

This tap sound, called the alveolar tap ([] in phonetic notation), is made by quickly tapping the tongue against the roof of the mouth, which can sound like a mix between an English "L" and "R" to English speakers. When Japanese speakers learn English, they may use this tap sound in place of English "L" or "R" sounds, since their phonetic system doesnt differentiate between the two. This sometimes results in what sounds like a mix or swap of "L" and "R" sounds in English words.

Learning to distinguish and produce "L" and "R" as separate sounds can be challenging because Japanese speakers must train their ears and speech muscles to make the difference.

That being said:

Happy Election day!