What is yeyismo?

Yeyismo is a linguistic phenomenon commonly found in Spanish-speaking countries, where the sound "ll" or "y" in words is pronounced as a "sh" sound instead of a traditional "y" sound. This pronunciation is also known as yeísmo.

Yeyismo typically occurs in regions such as Argentina, Uruguay, and parts of Spain, and can vary in intensity depending on the specific dialect and speaker. It is considered a feature of some dialects of Spanish, particularly those from the Rioplatense region in South America.

The origins of yeyismo can be traced back to the phonetic evolution of the Spanish language, which has undergone various changes over time. This specific pronunciation of the "ll" or "y" sound can sometimes lead to confusion in understanding words for speakers who are not familiar with the dialect.

Overall, yeyismo is a distinctive feature of certain Spanish dialects and adds to the rich diversity of the language spoken in different regions.