Thoughts about words, capital-L Language, little-L languages, and other junk.

Monday, April 20, 2015

What Does English Sound Like?

I have no idea. To me, English sounds like... nothing. It's the barest film between reality and the words used to describe and convey it. I often ask English language learners what English sounds like to them.

The answers haven't been too satisfying. It's kind of a stupid question. And it can be pretty slippery and impressionistic. Still, I've been told that English speakers sound like they're chewing gum, that English sounds "too smooth," and that English speakers tend to sound very active and enthusiastic.

I wish I could exist as someone with no knowledge of English for a little while, just so I could hear it with innocent ears, just hear the sounds of English. Just hear the music—and not the math—of the language.

If you are a non-native English speaker, tell me, please: What does English sound like to you?

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