LEARNING LANGUAGES AND FOREIGN ACCENTS with Rajiv Surendra

[@merryfergie]

I imagine you are good at language's because you are an observer. You see beauty & abundance in culture.

[@ItsMeHello555]

If only you knew how much this 50 something lady enjoys yours posts, you’d make them daily. Thank you for taking the time to share what is important to you, Rajiv. It IS to so many of us as well. 🌿❤🌿

[@robinbaker3346]

Such an interesting, helpful, and enjoyable post. You have such a gift for listening to spoken words in many languages! Thank you, Rajiv! ❤

[@cvmitchell9368]

Agreed. ❤

[@forthewynaugsburg2181]

I find it an extremely attractive trait when people know different languages.

[@chloeuntrau4588]

Yes but there is nothing wrong having an accent...People guess where you come from....no problem! as long it's grammatically correct...

[@pakhyeoncheol]

Great stuff. I haven’t heard the Canadian distinction explained this clearly before

[@m.maclellan7147]

Raised by Canadians & normally can pick up a Canadian accent, always wondered why I never hear it from you ! I also had a stranger pick up my very slight Canadian accent when I was a kid ! I am 62 now & have tried learning 2 languages (besides English) French & Scott's Gaelic. I was always better at singing Gaelic than speaking it ! Sadly, my elderly teacher passed suddenly & it is hard to find a teacher for this language in the Northeast of the USA. It is also hard to practice as I have yet to find many folks that can speak it. If you have any followers that live near Boston, the French Library (located not far from the Public Garden) has a free "French" lunch hour, where you can strike up conversation with native speakers. Double check this is still active before you go. I use to live closer to Boston years ago.

[@sailaway1930]

@@m.maclellan7147French learners meet up. What a fantastic idea!!

[@sivabala5232]

This was a hugely enjoyable post

[@acesarato]

As a linguist I was super taken by this video of yours ! Like you, when learning a new language, I strive to adopt the correct accents, paying attention to the correct mode and place of articulation for each sound. Not an easy task, mind you, and I think some people find it easier according to their listening skills, as you mentioned ! ❤ 😊 I love that you also included some of the more ‘human’ aspects of this phenomenon with your anecdotes and imitations. You probably know that you are learning the official Italian - Tuscan - the one that was chosen as national language when Italy was unified. So you have the proper Italian accent (I have a Venetian inflection) Bravo Rajiv!😊

[@sneakdroids]

Rajiv, great video. Thanks so much for letting people know about the various Indian accents (you nailed the hoity-toity Bollywood accent, btw). The amount of accent variation in speaking English is extremely large in India compared to the US. The popular culture in the US has never reflected this fact, and instead has always reduced it to a stereotype. Personally, I think we should all be proud of our accents, wherever we are from. Speaking a foreign language with an accent of your language has a flavor of its own, and adds to the rich linguistic diversity of our world.

[@antoniocarlosrodriguescamp1497]

A professor of Linguistics told me when I was in my twenties not to avoid my Portuguese accent when I spoke English: It was my distinctive mark.

[@anitainmo489]

This was truly a very interesting topic. I get the feeling that you kept your parents very busy with all your mischief. You still have that naughty twinkle in your eyes. Thank you Rajiv for teaching this old lady new things.

[@lolajl]

That was so fascinating ... thank you! Here's something you should know about - the deaf voice accent. It's something us deaf people who were born deaf and went through speech therapy have. We never, ever sound the same as our native counterparts. For instance, my spoken accent is very similar to a native Russian speaker. I too love accents and and I like trying to figure out where the person is from.

[@jeanstrickland5370]

Rajiv, thank you so much ! As a 74 I’m trying to learn Korean, and this video has helped me understand what I need to do to learn about an accent, never knew that languages are pronounced differently in the mouth! 😮

[@shermarkham6376]

Wonderful!

[@markroark6425]

Rajiv, this KZbin video was one of your best ever. Theater warm ups and tongue twitters cannot compare to your joyful facial expressions and detailed explanations about the richness of global accents. Thank you for this excellent one. Very smart.

[@Gud2B_Blessed]

Rajiv you are a fascinating young man. LOVE YOUR VIDEOS ❤

[@SusannahPerri]

Rajiv, I always appreciate that you share your thoughtfulness and attention to detail in all of your videos, but this one went deeper. Thank you for teaching specific techniques with a conscious focus on honoring and respecting others’ cultures and sensitivities. I wish every teacher was like you. Especially now in this unsteady world.❤

[@rajivsurendra]

Thank you! The world has always been unsteady, since the beginning of time. Keep your chin up and focus on the good 💗

[@ancientwisdom108]

As a multi-language speaker, I really enjoyed this. I was blown away when you started speaking in French. Notice also the body language change when you went into speaking English with an Indian accent and said, "go away". Hilarious for me, because a huge part of my world is beloved Indian people. I am actually looking for someone to help me translate some Hindi videos to English. In general I love accents. I know what you mean about certain Indian stars and podcast hosts who speak with an accent in English that sounds very contrived and exaggerated. Love and blessings to you all from me in Florida... 🙏🌍🕊🕊

[@SusanGeyer-l4k]

Yes, me too. I did a foreign language research project at uni and really enjoyed it.

[@sandrex1978]

The value of "small things" and how not to be boring and use creativity to live life to the fullest. Thank you, Rajiv.

[@GottaDance56]

I am a recent (a few months) subscriber and have enjoyed watching your videos about your many interests and curiosities. But this video was the most fascinating to me. When i heard you speak Italian on your summer adventures and then German (getting your shoes to shine) I noted your accent above everything. You have what I think of as a rare gift; the ability to truly hear a sound and mimic it perfectly. As someone who struggled with French in high school and failed terribly as an adult with Spanish, I envy and admire your natural talent as a polyglot!

[@janicerivera5570]

That was fascinating! Being that you have acting chops, I wonder if you might give us all a lesson on getting into character, i.e. taking on personas inside and out.

[@rajivsurendra]

I love that idea. Yes, I'll make a video about that. Thank you.

[@Julie-bq6iz]

Rajiv, you have a mockingbird spirit! How beautiful!

[@Avery_4272]

Rajiv, in addition to your wonderful skill for learning different languages, it's also clear to my ears that you have an excellent understanding of their 'notes,' so to speak; the music found within the languages and accents. I think this is, in large part, because you have musical talents. (I've noticed this in great comedians, as well. They, too, often have musical sensibilities, and this gives them a great sense of rhythm/timing and the 'notes' and 'beats' needed for good comedy.) I enjoyed this video, as I do all of your videos. You're a gem!

[@MiuMiuG]

You're an absolute masterclass in what it means to live fully.

[@andreajgunn]

7:20 Omg I’m nerding out right now! This is SO fascinating. This is something I’ve always wondered about, but never knew what I needed to ask because I didn’t know what I needed to know! Thanks Rajiv for knowing what I needed before I had to ask. ❤❤ This is so fun, I’ve always loved accents and dialects.

[@rajivsurendra]

Thank you, Andrea!

[@MercyUS]

I grew up in the US close to the Canadian border. While listening to canadian radio, I noticed the Canadians “go to hospital” and in the US we say, “go to the hospital”. Thanks for another fascinating presentation. ☕️

[@fifteenthfret]

You are such a beautiful person, Rajiv. In any language…

[@julieschwartz2135]

It was interesting listening to you describe how, and why, you feel you can detect someone’s accent. My mother was from Europe, and spoke eight languages fluently, and taught several. Whenever she spoke a language to a native speaker they would tell me her accent was flawless. I think some people have a gift for learning, and perfecting an accent….she had that gift.

[@susananthony2366]

I hope one day you have and/or teach children Rajiv. You would give them such powerful tools to apply to life. And more than ever, those tools of observation and consideration are so needed in this world.

[@PauliendeGraaff]

Rajiv, you uploaded this video *the day after* I talked about this very topic with my partner! I was telling him how much I love learning mouth placement and mimicking the accents of foreign languages, and how it really is the best way to sound like a native. I, too, have been a "sound mimicker" ever since I was a little kid :)

[@TheDrakeFamilyChronicles]

I enjoy your videos so much! Thanks for this -- so enjoyable

[@MarshallSmith-q4e]

This video about languages and language learning (and phonetics) is spot on! I just love Rajiv.

[@_Rohan]

Native German speaker and language enthusiast here! I appreciate that you weren't afraid of learning German during your stay here and embraced the sound of it! Thank you for your inspiring insight. I was very impressed by the German sentences you spoke. The natural German sound clearly shone through the sentences which flowed best. Because the German language and German English accent are often made fun of in the English speaking sphere, I really appreciate your effort, to study this beautiful and poetic language.

[@Wandering.Homebody]

Wow,you nailed those Indian accents! What you termed Bollywood star accent I refer to as "posh urban", Delhi or Mumbai, I can never tell the difference between the two.

[@rademos]

Omg Rajiv I do this alone in my house doing art, laundry or projects alone all the time. I’ll even turn an ordinary task into an Olympic event and I’ll do the announcing of the event with a Danish accent or an Australian or a middle eastern or Indian. I’m good at it too. I entertain myself wildly. Love this. Love everything you do right down to the smallest pv of ironstone with some interesting fixing or crazing. I love your videos. If I could have a son or fav nephew it’d be you. You’re a gift. You brought me thru COVID thank you from Saratoga

[@user-pj8cf2vz4z]

Hallo, Rajiv. Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland. Dein Deutsch ist echt toll!

[@pamelasorrells2187]

Excellent Rajiv! So fascinating hearing you do all the accents and explaining it. Well done 💙

[@acflnnr]

Thank you for putting such eloquence to explain something I've also done instinctively as a child, and later on in life, mostly at home. I also find Thai and Vietnamese so fascinating sonically. Also, Irish is so hard to pin down without slipping into another dialect.

[@sharonmyers7016]

I really wasn't in the mood to watch this video, but, I am so glad I did. It's very entertaining and informative. As a teenager I worked in a tourist area in the Amish country in PA. We would get lots of NY visitors and I would love to listen to their accents. Then when we traveled people would ask about our accent. But we didn't have an accent, I thought. But we do have a localized PA Dutch accent. Even people 20 miles away in another county have a different PA accent. It's so fascinating, really. Thanks for sharing.

[@robinwhitehurst4613]

I so love the simple elegance of your home. It is truly a reflection of your life.

[@johnlaw6413]

Guten Morgen, guten Tag, Herr Surendra . Danke für ein weiteres Interessantes Video! I was a German minor in college and spent part of my learning years at a language Institute in Marburg, Germany . Growing up I was fascinated by my German and Norwegian ancestry and wanted to learn more, as the language wasn’t spoken at home . Languages as well as the culture where they originate always have a fascination for me .What helped me to learn a German accent, or close to one, by listening to Bach performances through his church cantatas.

[@knoopsylvia]

You really know how to do it ! I speak 4 languages and they all think I belong… oddly only when I speak in my native tongue do they think I’m a foreigner when I am in the country. Unbelievable but true !

[@gracenote100]

Oh this was delicious. Hear you switch from one accent into another so effortlessly like you were rolling a fine wine on your tongue. And your German one was spot on (I am Austrian). This English teacher and language afficionado learned a lot from you today. 🙂

[@dianaf2820]

This morning as I sat down with my coffee, I watched your latest video (15 minutes prior) and saw you sitting down with yours. It was amusing because it was like a face to face conversation. I found your points on accents and placement in the mouth very interesting. I never thought about it before. Thank you for the insight. Let’s have our morning beverage together another time. LOL

[@christel1841]

Rajiv, as a youngster I was fascinated with accents and languages as well. My parents were from Europe and spoke and wrote fluently many languages and dialects. I never heard it explained this way…. To this day I have to consciously not pick up the accents of those around me for fear of offending…

[@jessicaxhansen]

mastering accents has been a small goal of mine over the years and this video is groundbreaking! seriously the best accent lesson ive seen, which isn’t that surprising to me because all of your content is gold. it’s incredible how you flowed seamlessly from accent to accent and other languages.

[@cctlim]

Such a wonderful take on languages. I will pay more attention to the placement of my mouth when i practice my languages. Thank you Rajiv.

[@TamiSuchowiejko]

Good morning, Rajiv. I thoroughly enjoyed your video today, the conversational style was engaging. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. I appreciate your curiosity, perspective, and humor.

[@phoenixjones660]

A thoroughly enjoyable and fascinating watch! I always wondered why you don't sound 🇨🇦. And i agree with you, the feeling and rhythm of the language is so important to being understood... I guess that's the musician in us coming out! 🎼🥰

[@rhondadownes207]

I’d love to hear you do a Scottish accent! It’s been my favorite for years.

[@Julie-bq6iz]

This is fascinating! I love accents and never thought about the mouth placement. I appreciate you so much Rajiv. You are an excellent human. Blessings! ❤

[@janebaker966]

That was SO absorbing and interesting. I'm glad I'll never encounter you as you are scarily insightful. How great however to have that gift for languages AND communication.

[@mariaf5474]

Thank you for this. As a Canadian growing up on the West Coast, I always thought we had no accent. So was very surprised (and a little offended) when someone said they recognized my Canadian accent. Your explanation of vowel placement was very helpful at explaining this. On your recent videos, I was very impressed with how natural and local you sounded in German and Italian and wondered how you maintained your fluency. But this video explains it. It also raises the question to me of how do we find the 'way' to speak a new language rather than just learning the grammar and words; particularly, as a tourist, when we often start learning before arrival and have little actual opportunity to interact for prolonged periods with locals. Something to ponder.

[@morganniciomhair8284]

ALSO HAVING LIVED IN AMERICA AS AN IRISH PERSON,IT REALLY ANOYED ME TO CONSTANTLY BE TOLD ..OH YOU HAVE AN ACCENT,AND I WOULD THINK YES AND SO DO YOU MY DEAR!

[@andreastieff]

Funny story… was in Paris with a friend who was speaking American school French and no one understood her. She told me what to say and I used my most guttural French accent and repeated what she told me and voila, people understood. It was uncanny.

[@judithanndohar]

How interesting. I hadn't considered "where" my english sound originated in my my mouth! Watching you go back and forth from one to the other was so enlightening. My mothers first language was French and my fathers was Italian. As a child I spoke French first, but did not retain it. As an adult I find French difficult and Italian comes much easier. I often wonder why.... It's all very fascinating. Thank you Rajiv. As always another great topic !

[@THEdelkaimek]

The most wholesome and inspiring channel on youtube. Genuine, kind and authentic.

[@nadab4750]

Back in the day, prank phone calls (to landlines) used to be a good way to practice doing accents. 😂 As Australia is such a huge country built on immigration from all countries, there are many different types of Australian accents between the states, cities, regional, family heritage, socio-economic, sporty, cultured, indigeonous etc...however Hollywood never seems to get any of their representations accurate. It always ends up sounding like a South African, New Zealand or even London (Cockney) accent. I've also noticed that now people's own English (or other) native language accents have varied somewhat because of the internet and binge watching. You can tell if someone (adult or child) watches more movies/series from a particular country, by the way they have changed the way they would normally speak and pronounce certain words. I have actually had Indian Über drivers ask what country I was from in my own city (Melbourne)! I have to explain that I have never really watched/listened to much Australian TV/movies/radio/podcasts and have friends from many nations, so that's why I don't sound very "Aussie". Someone like Cate Blanchett for instance has quite a typical cultured inner Melbourne accent. I agree that adopting the accent associated with a language allows one to be understood better, as some people get an surprise (which affects their comprehension) when they hear an unexpected accent. It is therefore necessary if one does not want to have to be asked to repeat themselves. 👱❤️

[@maricara3881]

I’ve studied 13 languages, speak 7. I too started at age 8 with a PBS show, British accent. 😂 My parents did encourage me to continue. I can speak Spanish in 8 accents. I have a master’s in linguistics. (A doctorate in another discipline.) I love this video!

[@Sanity_Faire]

I’m calling you a polyglot in my southern drawl 😃

[@joy96815]

😁mandarin and cantonese speaker here, I'd love to see/hear you speak Chinese in the market (loudly).... what inspiration! Truly enjoy every post you bring us!

[@elizabethpage2912]

When my daughter was young we lived in a Filipino community and she used to speak with their intonation and accent but the words were definitely not Filipino… strangely her friends accepted what she said and answered her … it was super fun to watch !

[@lexj23]

Loved this video, Rajiv! I am also fascinated by languages and accents. I started learning Spanish as a child and learned that I had to speak with their accent or they wouldn’t understand me. As an (North) American, I stress this to others trying to learn a language. I went on to start to learn French and know some basic Italian and Portuguese too, as well as a tiny bit of spoken Japanese. I am often told that I have a great accent (because I also mimic native speakers), but because I am still learning, I do not speak as naturally as a native speaker, so I tend to confuse people since my accent is good but the words I’m saying might be a bit out of order or my phrasing might be different from the natives. 😂 It is great fun when I am taken for a native speaker or even complemented on “speaking well” just because I can mimic the accent. Be well, Rajiv! ❤

[@TheFrandall]

When I was a young girl, my family lived on Madagascar. We are from the US. My sisters and I went to a school where classes were conducted in french, so we learned to speak french. I remember the first time we met our piano teacher, American, but spoke to us in french with a southern US accent! Hilarious! I think she was from Texas. So fun!

[@jameshopkins7507]

Thank you for a very insightful video. I love your North Indian accent! Beautiful!

[@Kathy-zx5bu]

You really are brilliant! I am so appreciative to have you on KZbin. I am enriched by watching you and being able to learn so much! You are one of my favorite channels. Thank you so much for all the joy and knowledge.

[@rajivsurendra]

Thank you!

[@Wandering.Homebody]

Yup, that's true, with German out of grammar, vocabulary and accent/ pronunciation, for sure accent is by far your strongest suit.

[@Herrbbieeee]

I’m so glad you posted this video especially because I’m starting my journey learning French. Thank you Rajiv ❤️

[@lillianirenel]

Loved this video, Rajiv. Thanks for the breakdown of the mouth geography. I lived in Germany for a year when I was 20-21 (now 78). When I started dreaming in German, I felt that now it's a part of me. Now renewing my knowledge of Spanish. Thanks.

[@susankahn7219]

Loved this video. Languages are fascinating and learning a new language opens your mind and enhances your life. You're such a wonderful and interesting person to listen to and I thank you for your wonderful videos!

[@rebeccavalicoff1581]

Oh my gosh! Incredible!

[@christineclarke1653]

My Spanish teacher is from Argentina. My Spanish sounds VERY Italian, plus I have picked up her gestures. Imagine that coming out of the mouth of a 64 year old Black British woman from Manchester! Loved your post as usual x

[@scpmdt]

OMG!! This man is incredible. He has a very inquiring mind. He is a perfectionist but not in a bad way. Very rare personality. He never ceases to amaze. He is hilarious. Always enjoy his vlogs. He is brilliant.

[@dinomite078]

Just when I thought I wouldn’t be interested YOU MAKE THE BEST INTERESTING VIDEOS !!!!!! Make more

[@rajivsurendra]

Ok! Will do! Thank you.

[@hopegold883]

You said you don’t know where it comes from. I think it comes for an appreciation for and curiosity about new and different things and people. Combined with an excellent musical ear.

[@jkardi9803]

This is such a comprehensive explanation of accents.

[@dianapage5792]

Should there ever be a movie based on the life of the truly amazing Deepak Chopra, there would not be anyone better to fill that role than you. I wonder if he has a book in the making for a movie? Maybeeeee you can inquire??

[@juliettebobcat704]

This is so fascinating to me. Two of my sons (both Virgos) spent a year in Germany as high school students. One is great in theater and a hilarious mimic, and the other son has a musical ear and is now in his last bit of linguistics in a EU university. I noticed that they both came back from Germany with more boisterous laughs. Germans are so superior about language, in that way that you described, and also with taking pride in how difficult their language is. I learned from TK that speaking Danish is like trying to hold a hot bite of potato in your mouth. Everything Rajev said about paying close attention to how you hold your mouth, tongue, where the sound resonates, etc, that is soo important.

[@nadine0022]

That’s silly, you are from you are, and it is who you are. Be proud of yourself an your history!! The language is the way to share. Todos tenemos acentos, es la marca de nuestra tierra…we all have accents, it is the mark of our land.❤

[@Wandering.Homebody]

My German accent is exceedingly mild,but I know that I myself would be able to detect it because I m just that good; so, on the rare occasion that someone can tell, I m immediately intrigued and want to get chatting with this fellow language/ accent connoisseur 🤣

[@dcebrian11]

Español es el siguiente, Rajiv! Cuando quieras pasar por España, sólo tienes que avisar!

[@milapavlenko7756]

This was such an entertaining monologue, Rajiv 🤩. Me speaking multiple languages too (including German and French) i can totally relate to what you were saying. However I gave up the idea to sound like natives. I realised that my origin is something to be valued and not to be hidden. But mastering this skill is a total treasure for sure. Bises de la France 🇫🇷

[@tracyleecornish5398]

When I was younger a lot younger my Mother sent me to elocution lessons for many years until I was ten years old. I learnt how to pronounce words correctly. My Mother said the only thing that I learnt was how to project my voice lol Anyway it is very interesting and my teacher she had many many books in her room which I was so interested in. I remember being on stage and memorising what I had to say from famous stories and poems and acting it out. I was very much an introvert and it was hard for me to go on stage and do this. I am still an introvert but I manage it now with people. Learning languages fascinates me I find it very interesting where languages come from and how they evolved. Welsh, Cornish etc Thank you for sharing.

[@irshadrehann8024]

Hands down my favourite video. Fantastic! It reminded me for the first time in 30 years, that I too enjoyed doing accents when I was kid and I had somehow forgotten it. I always assumed I was just good at languages but mimicking accents is where it started.

[@kristinabaade2343]

I'm studying German this semester and have really struggled with proper pronunciation from day one. This advice really helps me understand why sometimes I speak German with a noticeable American accent (usually when I'm tired). I will keep this in mind, listen more closely, and try to feel "where it sits." (Also, try to get more sleep!) Thanks so much 🙏

[@rajivsurendra]

Copy, copy copy what you hear from them and work hard to make it sound exactly like them.

[@claudiap.4272]

The same thing happened to me, since I was a child! And throughout my life, I have learned to listen and recreate the way people speak different languages, in the same way: reproducing the way they use the muscles of the throat, neck, face and tongue, where they make resonance, etc. It's fascinating.

[@D.C.22]

With all your convoluted wonderfulness....of course you're good with languages because of your musical ability! Those of us who are sensitive to music tend to be good at learning languages! You however, have the added advantage of being able to travel and IMMERSE yourself in the language, which is paramount. I've studied French on and off for many years and am still at the childhood level in comprehension. I read much better than I can speak (although, I've been told I sound very Parisian when I speak, thanks to my instructors). I'm currently learning Mandarin as well and was told I have good pronunciation. But -- my learning is hindered by not being immersed. How many languages are you actually able to "speak"?

[@glassrooster]

This is so interesting! Thank you for posting!

[@tinawong7825]

Great insights....lan guage teachers can start their course with this video

[@VeretenoVids]

Yes! I had a friend from Spain whose American English was phenomenal, but she had one tell--when Americans need to pause to think, we often say "uh" but she always said "eh." I lived abroad for a bit and was good enough to pass as native, except for one particular combination of sounds that was nearly impossible. It was always one of those words where people would do what you did to the German in the coffee shop. My solace is that they never guessed I'm an American, but rather thought I was a native speaker of a related language. Interestingly, my voice in English is quite low, but my voice in that language is higher. That mouth placement thing!

[@migdalialopez5512]

Hi. Rajiv… I starting watched you, in KZbin TV, and I love your personality ! I learning a lot from you as well. Thank 😊 I work whit Indians in a lab 🥼 testing medicine. for a while, but in cleaning. I like your Philosophy about life. and I enjoy everything you do and said 😊 blessings.

[@janabradbury-brune]

Is there anything you can’t do? You are such a fascinating person!

[@kiarajamiburrows]

this came at the perfect time for me. Im currently learning Spanish... and picking up the accent makes such a difference

[@cherylfluege3345]

This was so entertaining and informative, Rajiv. 🙋🏼‍♀️🇨🇭

[@brendaclifford714]

Ya, that was interesting, enjoyed Life of Pi immensely. Rajiv, a man of many talents!

[@niczen4428]

Such a fascinating and informative video. I loved it. I got to the point where my Italian friends told me my (British) English was no longer detectable when I spoke Italian. A few years ago, I had mouth braces. Since then, I can hear my English accent even though I know how to speak and pronounce Italian. From what you've explained, the braces must have moved my jaw and mouth more forward, perhaps enhancing the British English accent. Where would you say Italian placement is in the mouth? I'm trying to work it out and retrain my mouth muscles. I'm thinking it must be quite far back in the jaw.

[@judithmitchellthedevotedlu3087]

Interesting. I grew up speaking 3 languages fluently. I think I sound like a native speaker in all three. Now I understand why people are always asking me where I’m from or what my mother tongue is. Tchüss!

Ich komme aus Sud Afrika und ich lerne jetzt Deutsch and das is sehr interresant! How you have explained the placement and mimicking the sound combined with vocab and grammar. Fascinating that you have come across others where you recognized the foreign accent and they found it embarrassing, where I have found that some people actually like that you noticed their homeland accent. Indeed learning languages is quite amazing because it’s not just one thing we learn but so many different lessons in cultures, history and people just by the way they talk. Thanks for this lesson, I will apply that! Ps. I was laughing so much, you are really good!

[@maureenmckenna5220]

I always wondered about this, and knew it was a learned skill, but not how we did it. Also, knew actors like Meryl Streep, who seemed to take on accents flawlessly. My twin boys could imitate the waiters in a Chinese restaurant beautifully, when they were about 2. We, too, told them we don’t do that. I also know that we can speak any language as babies and we just gradually exercise our tongue in ways that lead to our tongue only making the sounds of the language we are surrounded by. With age, the muscle of the tongue loses the ability to move in a way that can make the sounds of a native speaker of another language. Always admired anyone who could do this. Quite amazing to me.

[@jayelbee777]

You fascinated me. Most interesting person ever. Thank you.

[@VanInhalin]

I have family in Southern Louisiana where True Detective took place. I remember paying close attention to see if anyone in the show had the particular rural cajun accent of that locale. 1 guy with a bit part of a line or two. That was it. I'm also an accent nerd, in the same way I like to see how recipes and pretty much everything else changes/morphs culturally from place to place. When I went to college and met Hawaiians, my mind was totally blown. They were as unique as Cajuns.

[@heatherknisley4194]

Languages are very complex. But again you are willing to guilelessly try anything! Isn't it wonderful to live in a multi-cultural city?

[@gblack2]

Always learn something new Rajiv. Thank you!,

[@johannechampagne7332]

It’s fascinating that as a Canadian you speak Parisienne sounding French. I learned Italian in the car with Pimsleur recorded lessons, lots of opportunity to practice and repeat, repeat, repeat to perfect the accent.

[@rajivsurendra]

In Canada (in Toronto specifically) we learn Parisian French in school, not Quebecois.

[@yvonneroche3897]

You are so right when you say that it is how you shape your mouth, the position of your tongue, also using your noise to create a nasal sound. I am learning Portuguese and it made all the difference when I discovered that and also get to think like the locals. I love it the Mouth is Geographical.

[@shermarkham6376]

Wow! What a great video!