Noticing Accents

The more you advance in a foreign language, the more you become sensitive to the local accents/dialects. This isn't just be but seems to be an overall fact that applies to all language learners. For instance, when I first started out, I wouldn't be able to tell you if a Strasbourgeois spoke differently from a Parisian or a Marseillais. Now, I could definitely pinpoint the differences. Not only that, but as is the case for German lately, I can even tell the difference between someone speaking English with a German accent from Sachsen and one speaking English with an Austrian-German accent. Crazy, huh? I haven't gotten the hang of the different regional accents of Russian but at least now I can clearly tell the difference between Russian and other Slavic languages like Belarusian, Bulgarian, Ukrainian, etc. Before, I probably wouldn't have been able to tell you the difference between Slovak and Russian! (Don't kill me Pavol). But now, I can, without a doubt.

One such accent-detecting skill that has been getting rusty lately is my ability to detect the different Spanish accents. For the Spanish learners out there, can you tell the difference? Cathy? You've studied Spanish for nearly 8 years now, you must be able to tell them apart, right? I'll post the answers later =) Get them all right and I'll bake you a cake ;)

Today's Random Quiz:

You Are a Pumpkin Pie Baking in the Oven

You love to feel comforted and relaxed. For you, fall means turning inward and remembering what matters in your life. Fall rings in the time of traditions, and you embrace each and every one of them. Whether you're decorating for Halloween, cooking for Thanksgiving, or planning for Christmas, you really get into the season. You love sharing this time with your friends and family. You like to make new and lasting memories.

What Autumn Smell Are You?