The Swedish language has many dialects. It is often possible to tell where speakers are from based on their pronunciation. One sound, in particular, has significant variation. It is represented by the letter r.
The Swedish word far means father. Though this is a short word, it can be pronounced differently. This is due to the word-final r. In Finland and northern Sweden, the r is pronounced with an alveolar trill or flap. In Stockholm and the surrounding area, it can be an approximant. It is not pronounced at all in Smolandia, a region of southern Sweden. In Scania, the southernmost part of Sweden, the r is a uvular fricative or uvular trill. Though far is a short word, it can be pronounced in five different ways.
Another word with different pronunciations is svärd (sword). In Finland, the r is an alveolar trill. In most Swedish dialects, however, the r is not pronounced here but influences the pronunciation of the d. As a result, the d becomes a retroflex alveolar plosive. It is not pronounced at all in Smolandia and in Scania the r is a uvular fricative or uvular trill.
The letter r can be pronounced differently in Swedish. The pronunciation of the letter varies from one dialect to another. Most Swedish dialects have retroflex sounds, but they are not used in southern Sweden or in Finland.
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