Long ago one of my friends who was learning two foreign languages at the same time, judged them by… taste. Or maybe some feeling in the mouth. She liked French more because, as she said, “it tastes fresh and cool, like mint candy”. English, on the other hand, tasted like porridge (sorry, English speakers!)
I couldn’t say anything on that matter because I studied only one language at the time. But later I understood – yes, there is something to it. For instance, Italian is sweet – even too sweet, while Spanish is hot and spicy.
Strange, but I can’t characterize Japanese in this way. But I love speaking Japanese, and it’s easy for me. Maybe there are many similar sounds in it for us Russians. I don’t feel any strain while speaking, and it sounds nice too. But English is a torture!
How could it be? I work with English texts every day, but only as a written translator. I rarely have a chance to speak, and when it happens, my accent is terrible (my child is always laughing at me). And I feel terrible, as if all muscles in my mouth move into some unnatural position. And I must make a lot of effort to keep this position. As a result, it sounds strange all the same. Yes, while Japanese, Spanish or, say, Turkish pronunciation is easier for a Russian speaker, English is a challenge. There seem to be more different sounds than similar ones. And I’m even scared to think about French or Chinese…
Well, I guess one can learn anything if there is a need. It only takes time and practice. I don’t know what language I may learn next in my life. As for now, Japanese is my favourite. It’s so graceful. It reminds me not a taste but something visually beautiful, like fine art. I’m missing it!
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