In English the high-front vowel [i] is often palatalized before another vowel. The high-front vowel and the palatal approximant are both [+high]. The palatal approximant is [-syllabic] and thus reduces the number of syllables in the world.
The palatalization of the high-front vowel is optional. It is most common in rapid and casual speech. However, it can also take place in formal speech.
The following words can be pronounced with palatalization of the high-front vowel:
Australia
furious
glorious
luxurious
media
The replacement of the high front vowel with the palatal approximant is an example of palatalization. It occurs immediately before another vowel and is always unstressed. The palatalization process that converts the high front vowel to the palatal approximant is common in English.
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