A Spanish-speaking native of Venezuela recently asked me why some English words sound like they are, for example, licorice. I had no explanation for why the third syllable, "rice", is pronounced, "rish". While seeking an answer, I now wonder why "pressure", "sugar", and "issue" all have "h" sounds when no "h" is present. It appears this is wrapped up in centuries of history as words changed with the most common pronunciation in a country usually winning out.
But ask a native of England how it's pronounced and you'll likely get "licoriss", no "h". Sigh...
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