|
 |
Is an American Accent Sexy? | ||
Share with:
| ||
 Language Learning Forum : Specific Languages |  | |
| starrye Senior Member United States Joined 5095 days ago 172 posts - 280 votes  Speaks: English* Studies: Japanese | Message 57 of 64 27 January 2011 at 4:52pm | IP Logged | |||||
|
I don't know, the idea of American English sounding "cool" or "modern" or "sexy" feels very strange to me personally. Of course I am a native speaker so I can't tell. But I am also so used to being told (usually by other Americans) how foreigners generally don't like us and think we're arrogant and obnoxious when we travel, and how embarrassing we are, etc... so it tends to take me by surprise anytime someone compliments it in that way. I often feel that, because English is a global language, and the American accent is a popular variety to learn, that not everyone really appreciates the accent as such-- English is seen as just a generic tool for communication and business. Whereas, to an American ear, languages like French and Italian, and even British accented English, bring to mind culture and sophistication.
When people tell me that they think American English is "cool", I feel they are referring more to American pop culture and media, etc, than they are to the actual accent itself. I have noticed among friends that even a really "bad" accent can be considered "attractive" and "endearing" if you happen to be attracted to that culture. And conversely, if someone strongly dislikes a country or culture, even a very nice accent can sound awful... so it's a very subjective thing indeed. As for American accents spoken in foreign languages, as everyone else has said, I think there is a clear difference between having incorrect pronunciation, and just having a foreign accent. People who speak foreign languages with the exact same pronunciation as their native language, without even trying, tend to sound horrible... no matter how fashionable their native accent is supposed to be. Given that English is a global language that many people want to learn, many Americans don't seem to feel it is necessarily or valuable to learn foreign languages anymore...so perhaps, we tend to fall into this trap a little more often. Also, America is a country made up of immigrants from all over the globe. English is a global language and we so used to hearing very thick foreign English accents of all stripes and colors, that we just assume foreigners will be equally as accepting and understanding. 2 persons have voted this message useful | ||||||
| Matheus Senior Member Brazil Joined 5082 days ago 208 posts - 312 votes Speaks: Portuguese* Studies: English, French | Message 58 of 64 27 January 2011 at 7:28pm | IP Logged | |||||
|
I'm sorry to disappoint you, but it's not sexy. When I hear americans speaking Portuguese it's really annoying due to the strong accent they have. I'm used to it, but I still prefer the British Accent. Edited by Matheus on 27 January 2011 at 8:14pm 1 person has voted this message useful | ||||||
| tritone Senior Member United States reflectionsinpo Joined 6121 days ago 246 posts - 385 votes Speaks: English* Studies: Spanish, Portuguese, French | Message 59 of 64 27 January 2011 at 9:32pm | IP Logged | |||||
You're used to it? Is it common to hear americans speaking portuguese? 1 person has voted this message useful | ||||||
| Matheus Senior Member Brazil Joined 5082 days ago 208 posts - 312 votes Speaks: Portuguese* Studies: English, French | Message 60 of 64 28 January 2011 at 1:54am | IP Logged | |||||
I've only watched on tv and in the web. It's not common, at least for me. I said that I'm used to listen the American English, not americans speaking Portuguese. Don't take it as an offense, please. But it's really weird to listen. It seems like they are reading Portuguese words using English alphabet sounds, just reading without knowing our sounds. I hope you can imagine that. I also found americans with a little accent, but it still a little bit unpleasent to listen. I prefer the British Accent over the American Accent when both are speaking English (their native language). American Accent is not that ugly, the main problem is that it's harder and confusing to understand when you are listening. On the other hand, It's pleasent to listen songs with the American Accent. It's melodic and it seems easier to rhyme. I think you will appreciate this channel if you want to check an American speaking Portuguese with a beautiful almost neutral accent. "languagenow" is the name. Edited by Matheus on 28 January 2011 at 2:01am 1 person has voted this message useful | ||||||
| RedBlaze Diglot Newbie Italy Joined 5104 days ago 10 posts - 9 votes Speaks: Italian*, English Studies: Swedish, Danish | Message 61 of 64 28 January 2011 at 3:24pm | IP Logged | |||||
|
Personally, I like hearing Italian spoken with an American accent. I think it sounds somewhat chic, as long as it's not heavy enough to be unintelligible. Not that I often hear Americans speaking Italian, mind you, but it's happened a few times and I must admit I was pleasantly surprised. So yeah, as far as I am concerned, bring on the accent!
1 person has voted this message useful | ||||||
| Darklight1216 Diglot Senior Member United StatesRegistered users can see my Skype Name Joined 5101 days ago 411 posts - 639 votes Speaks: English*, French Studies: German | Message 62 of 64 28 January 2011 at 8:49pm | IP Logged | |||||
I agree with that. I have to put up with thickly accented Indian English, Chinese accents while speaking something that is supposed to be English, Spanglish, and of the Northern and Southern accents that are already in America and then everyone's going to jump down my throat because I can't make the perfect Spanish "R" sound? It's really irritating.[/rant]
Most of my friends are amused by Indian accents. When skits are performed at my church, if someone uses an Indian accent they are automatically considered to be a comedic character. I greatly dislike that particular accent, but at least I'm able to understand what is being said. Chinese accents are both unpleasant sounding and difficult (sometimes impossible) for me to understand. Edited by Darklight1216 on 28 January 2011 at 8:51pm 1 person has voted this message useful | ||||||
| tritone Senior Member United States reflectionsinpo Joined 6121 days ago 246 posts - 385 votes Speaks: English* Studies: Spanish, Portuguese, French | Message 63 of 64 28 January 2011 at 10:49pm | IP Logged | |||||
absolutely none taken. I was just curious. 1 person has voted this message useful | ||||||
| GauchoBoaCepa Triglot Senior Member Brazil Joined 5420 days ago 172 posts - 199 votes Speaks: Portuguese*, English, Spanish | Message 64 of 64 29 January 2011 at 1:03am | IP Logged | |||||
|
Like I said, words come out easier by putting it on......whereas incredibly British accent sounds better to me.
1 person has voted this message useful |
If you wish to post a reply to this topic you must first login. If you are not already registered you must first register
|  | 
Printable version
|
| Copyright 2024 FX Micheloud - All rights reserved No part of this website may be copied by any means without my written authorization. |
