Lingusitics Is English a Soft or Harsh Language for Communication?

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The discussion centers on the perception of English as a "soft" language compared to others, particularly German. Participants explore how pronunciation, including the relaxation of the tongue and the use of vowels, contributes to this softness. There is a recognition that English has fewer harsh sounds than German, but opinions vary on what constitutes a "soft voice." The conversation touches on the importance of accent reduction classes for non-native speakers, highlighting how subtle changes in tongue position can affect pronunciation. Various dialects and regional accents within English also contribute to the complexity of this topic. Participants express a need for clearer definitions and examples of what is meant by "soft voice," suggesting that understanding phonetics and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) could aid in improving pronunciation. Ultimately, while English may be perceived as direct and straightforward, its nuances in sound and pronunciation can lead to differing interpretations of softness.
  • #31
Is there a tendency in saying English that the back part of tongue is swollen?Example the audio in #20
 
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  • #32
I don't know what you mean by swollen. When producing vowels, you move the central part of the tongue to positions indicated on the charts. Wikipedia's article on vowels has excellent explanations which part of the tongue moves, including Roentgen pictures.
You'd move the tongue towards the back when pronouncing 'back' vowels. Those on the right-hand side of the graph. As you can see, both languages have such vowels (and French has more - but then again, it has more vowels overall).
 
  • #33
English is not a soft language. When it comes to communication, English is actually quite straightforward and direct. There is very little room for ambiguity, and most things are said exactly as they mean. This can be a good thing, as it eliminates confusion and miscommunication. However, it can also be seen as a negative trait, as it can make English seem harsh or blunt. In reality, though, English is just a language like any other, and it has its own quirks and idiosyncrasies. Those who learn to speak it fluently will find that it is a powerful tool for communication.
 
  • #34
mlakonsky said:
English is not a soft language. When it comes to communication, English is actually quite straightforward and direct. There is very little room for ambiguity, and most things are said exactly as they mean. This can be a good thing, as it eliminates confusion and miscommunication. However, it can also be seen as a negative trait, as it can make English seem harsh or blunt. In reality, though, English is just a language like any other, and it has its own quirks and idiosyncrasies. Those who learn to speak it fluently will find that it is a powerful tool for communication.
The English language has enough ways to let a person alter how something is expressed, so that what is expressed is actually very murky and imprecise.
 

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