Can I use a /ʃ/ sound instead of /ʧ/ in "lunch time"?

[fruitninja]

As far as I know, depending on the dialect, people may use /ʧ/ or /ʃ/ for words like "chicago", "actually". I found it difficult to pronounce the word "lunch time" smoothly with a /ʧ/ sound, because of 2 adjacent stop-plosives (/ʧ/ and /t/). So in this case, can I use a /ʃ/ instead of /ʧ/?

 

[teechar]

As far as I know, depending on the dialect, people may use /ʧ/ or /ʃ/ for words like "Chicago",

I've never heard "Chicago" pronounced with /ʧ/.

"actually".

That's possible.

I found it difficult to pronounce the word "lunch time" smoothly with a /ʧ/ sound, because of 2 adjacent stop-plosives (/ʧ/ and /t/). So in this case, can I use a /ʃ/ instead of /ʧ/?

No, you shouldn't. Instead slow down your pronunciation of such phrases and even start by pronouncing them as two separate words. With some practice and patience, you should be able to get the hang of it.

 

[jutfrank]

I agree with you (and disagree with post #2 above) about lunch time, when speaking at a normal speed.

 

[GoesStation]

You will be understood fine if you pronounce lunch time as you suggest. I find it practically impossible to do so, though!

Another challenging phrase is orange juice. If you pronounce this like oranjuice, you will be understood with no problems.