'a L2' or 'an L2'
Dear Italki colleagues
In scholarly manuscripts the abbreviation 'L2', meaning 'second language' is often used. How do you pronounce this in reading: 'English is an el two in our country' or 'English is a second language in our country?' In other words: what is the correct spelling in a manuscript: 'a L2' or 'an L2'?

Question

'a L2' or 'an L2'
Dear Italki colleagues
In scholarly manuscripts the abbreviation 'L2', meaning 'second language' is often used. How do you pronounce this in reading: 'English is an el two in our country' or 'English is a second language in our country?' In other words:  what is the correct spelling in a manuscript: 'a L2' or 'an L2'?

Answer

AN L2.

Try saying, "A L2"     !     It sounds horrible. Ugh ehl too !  Sounds like a Neanderthal grunting.

Now say, "ANelltoo."  What a lovely sound! It flows.  As Michael says, Go with the phonetics.  A university, An umbrella.

Answer

It would be "an L2".  The rule is purely phonetic, hence this example: "I have a UK banknote in my wallet."

If we see "L2" in writing, we don't read it as "second language".

Verpassen Sie nicht die Gelegenheit, bequem von zu Hause aus eine Sprache zu lernen. Stöbern Sie in unserer Auswahl an erfahrenen Sprachlehrern und melden Sie sich jetzt zu Ihrer ersten Unterrichtsstunde an!