Before learning English, how did you percieve the language?

For example, a lot of people whos native language is English see French as a romantic, smooth language; Italian as a passionate language; German as a somewhat harsh language which redeems itself in other ways (I know that's not a fair evaluation, sorry); Russian as a somewhat agressive yet flowing tongue...

(Yeah, those examples probably aren't the greatest, but you get my drift...)

So what did English sound like to you? I've been told it sounds very "sing-song" like; as though we're not speaking the words but rather singing them (especially true in Ireland, if you ask me).

Idk, I've always been interested in viewing my native tongue from an outsiders position. What are your thoughts?

Cool language, but that was probably because Optimus Prime, G.I. Joe and the Dino Riders spoke it. And all the hollywood action heroes... (tv has ruined me :p)

Now it's more a tool, most people speak it and it's most useful language to know (in my opinion).

I don't agree with the stereotypes of Italian, French and German tho, I always thought of those (Italian and French) languages as too feminine and well, gay. German is the most beautiful language in my opinion, still masculine but also pleasent to the ears. I prefer Germanic languages over Romanic.

"Fingerspitzgefühl", best word ever.

I started learning English when I was 5 so I didn't really have an opinion. It was just my 2nd 2nd language. Together with German. Daarom speak ich alle drei heel good.

[QUOTE=Fza;9945400]I don't agree with the stereotypes of Italian, French and German tho/QUOTE]

I figured a few wouldn't, pay no attention to them :p.

I'm russian. My first impression of english was - strange, deep and "miaowing" pronounciation(How do they understand each other at all?? :) ). Now I find english is much more logical and convenient to use than russian and some other languages I speak. Sometimes you can express yourself in 50% less words :) Although my pronouciation is still funny.

In time you'll see. ;)

German is the most beautiful language in my opinion, still masculine but also pleasent to the ears. I prefer Germanic languages over Romanic.

"Fingerspitzgefühl", best word ever.

I agree with you on that, I'm only sad the good old "teutonic r" seems to be disappearing from German more and more.

As for the OP - before learning English, I think I perceived it pretty much in the same way 008 did (I couldn't believe anyone could distinguish single words in that flow of sounds). My mother tongue is also a slavic language, maybe it has something to do with that.

However, even after years of learning English, I still think it sounds as if you were speaking with a hot potato in the mouth :-)

I found English elegant/protocol-like /elitist. Specially British English.

I'd go British English as the only one sounding elitist. Southern American English though...heh. It's like the poorman's English.

All I hear is New York City English, although my accent sounds more like "flat", neutal, I think...I hope.

I'd go British English as the only one sounding elitist. Southern American English though...heh. It's like the poorman's English.

All I hear is New York City English, although my accent sounds more like "flat", neutal, I think...I hope.

Usually people think that I am Italian, the reason is probably the Italian influence over Argentinian accent due to massive immigration. But once I was in Las Vegas and a person thought I was English, that made me feel proud of my English pronunciation.

Usually people think that I am Italian, the reason is probably the Italian influence over Argentinian accent due to massive immigration. But once I was in Las Vegas and a person thought I was English, that made me feel proud of my English pronunciation.

True on that aspect. My chemistry teacher from high school was from Argentina and she had a thick Italian-sounding Argentinian accent.

I was even watching "el superclasico" a few weeks ago and those announcers speaking the Argentinian version of Spanish was just music to my ears. Not a fan of either team because I'm just getting into soccer. That derby was just fucking phenomenal.