'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".

Ne manquez pas cette occasion d'apprendre une langue depuis chez vous. Découvrez notre sélection de professeurs de langues expérimentés et inscrivez-vous dès maintenant à votre premier cours !