What is the most expressive language you've ever encountered?

CPT Jack Durish — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 21:58:51 -0500

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC5YGDKUEeM
We're all well-traveled, aren't we? We've encountered languages with which we weren't familiar. But there are some that can be understood even without knowing them. Italian is easy if you're not blind. They make extensive use of gestures.

I've studied seven languages in my lifetime (forgotten most), but Yiddish stands out for me. The most expressive

YIDDISH Part One

Yiddish. It's a culturally rich language shared by the seniors of the Los Angeles Jewish Home. Just in time for the High Holy Days, we made a special video t...

Response by SN Greg Wright made Feb 18 at 2016 10:08 PM

SN Greg Wright — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 22:08:26 -0500

Neat question. I found Japanese beautiful when I was stationed there.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 10:21 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 22:21:14 -0500

Thai very poetic. It uses the word for heart in words from understanding to gracious. This enables beautiful expression.

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Feb 19 at 2016 1:33 AM

TSgt Melissa Post — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 01:33:33 -0500

I only know a little Arabic and Spanish but of the ones I know, I would have to say Arabic. No it is not poetic like Thai as mention in this thread, and I would definitely not consider it beautiful like Japanese, unless you find phlegmy sounds to be attractive, bleh. However, just by the change of a stressed syllable, you can change the whole meaning of the word. "Friday" turns into "sex" by accident. Or "bathroom" becomes "pigeons" with the slip of the tongue.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Feb 19 at 2016 10:42 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 10:42:30 -0500

I'd have to say New Yorker. I know it's "English" but trying to understand someone from there who still has the accent thickly, is damn near impossible the first go round. When they figure that out, then they combine it with carious hand and arm gestures that you quickly figure out, but you still don't understand what they said. I have a friend and she's a Borough Girl, and I give her pure hell over her accent. My second would be anyone from Wales. If you go to Wales, the signs are in English and Welsh. But looking at the Welsh lettering will have you scratching the head of the person next to you because yours will be blown.