Would you call English a "beautiful language"?

Question

Do you actually like its sound? Do you think English is a great language? Is it really beautiful and not just useful because everybody speaks it?
French is considered a beautiful language by many people. Do you agree? I mean, you don't have to speak it - just do you like the sound?
And which language do you think is most beautiful (of all languages in the world)?
Tip: If you want to compare languages you can proceed as follows: Listen to Disney songs - they are available on youtube in about every language. Just in case you want to dare a try:

English: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTCuQ5FzhYg

French: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut484JJH86c

Spanish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p2Iuo44G40

German: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFztBLTSsTw

Russian: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGRchZMcJGA

Japanese: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaI-4-dc54A

Chinese: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB9rHJKHTiw

Hebrew: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og-bnjmY_ak

...and so on...

Answer 1

I like your question. It's well thought out and examining different dubs is a great way to juxtapose the languages, All in all I agree that it depends on the person, as voice and intonation have a lot to do with the 'beauty' of the language and that all languages are beautiful in a way, having unique elements which set them apart.



That being said I'll just give my opinion so I'm sorry if it offends anyone.



* English: Yes for me English is by far the most beautiful language by far. It's just so perfect - I really love hearing and speaking it (It's my third language) cuz it flows so naturally, and the wide array of British accents is amazing!! I just love it in every way and I think it sounds great.



* French - Studied French for 3 years (I'm one of those people who gets the accent thingy too :P) and I have to say I don't really like it - I just don't find the sound appealing. Still I think it's a wonderful romance language which is easily likable and enjoyable, just not up my alley.



* Spanish - Sounds amazing. My sister is fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese and it's probably the second language I'd watch movies in after English (maybe cause I was watching Spanish TV as a kid).



* German - My father is fluent in German and thinks it's a beautiful language... and I'd have to agree 100%. Many people think it's harsh and angry but this is seriously wierd to me.. I love German but find that Latin (romance languages) sounds much better.



* Russian - Speak fluently. My first language although I'm not a native. Sadly my experience with Russian people and the language have been pretty unenviable so I have mixed feelings about it... However it's an amazing language in itself, very beautiful Slavic elements - but can definitely sound harsh and unpleasant more than any other language on this list I'd say.



* Japanese. Love it. I study it currently and this language is just fantastic!! I guess any anime fan would find her enamouring but it's really すごい！My second favourite language.



* Chinese - I'm not familiar with the language although my cousin graduated in Chinese so I didn't form any substantial opinion. It's pretty good though, judging by the video.



* Hebrew - I'm a native speaker and this is the only 'Eastern' language here. I live in Israel so I can honestly say I REALLY dislike this language. Bu then again I dislike middle eastern languages and cultures in general so this clearly won't be an exception. I think when spoken by Israelis it comes off even more horribly (sorry if I offend anyone) so yeah... I'd stick with European and Far Eastern languages. One of the things which bugs me most is that it really doesn't flow like English and Japanese and I have to exert myself to produce any distinguishable sounds at all. Probably just me though...



For me it's English hands down but every language can be beautiful of course :DD

Answer 2

It's odd but I base the way languages sound on the speaker voice, not the actual language. Some can make English sound like music, while others make it sound awful.



I do think Japanese sounds cute because of lots of words and sounds ending in "a". But to me it's the speaker not the actual language because they all sound pretty and unique. Well Spanish and English is starting to sound plain to me but that's because I'm fluent in those. It's not mysterious and enchanting unless it's sung or spoken by a pleasant voice.

Answer 3

It depends on who's speaking or what's being said. In actuallity, I think all languages are beautiful in one way or another.

Answer 4

The more you speak a language, the harder it is to find it beautiful imo

I think Japanese is beautiful, depending on context, normal everyday conversation is NOT beautiful though lol

Answer 5

I would have to say that American and Canadian English, as a whole are functional, not beautiful. They are straight the point and there are no embellishments to the spoken language.



However, well spoken English from the UK is a beautiful language, IMHO. It is nice to hear it and has its own particular melody.



As for French, it is the same. Quebec French is nowhere close to being a beautiful version of French. However I find Acadian French beautiful, I find the French spoken in the South of France beautiful and the French spoken by TV announcers also beautiful.



Ditto for German. German spoken by TV News announcers is quite nice (High German) but less so "low German", which are regional dialects, including Swiss German (which itself comes in many further dialect and tonal forms).



So, in short, All languages are beautiful in their own way, if spoken properly and as true to their intended form as possible.

Answer 6

No. I would say its practical.

Answer 7

I don't think that English is a beautiful language if you are a native speaker. Any language sounds better if you do not speak it! For me; Italian, Spanish, Australian and Eastern European dialects are appealing..but if you watch a lot of US TV and a British accent comes along...it does sound good next to the California drawls! Even within English speaking regions, there is the local dialect to consider...I am Yorkshire and hate my accent...but love Scouse, Geordie, Highland Scots and Southern Irish lilts....

Answer 8

NOPE>



FRENCH