Do you listen to music of various languages?
By EnslinPorter
@EnslinPorter (1718)
Philippines
July 29, 2008 6:55am CST
Hi everyone! :D
I find myself sort of weird because I listen to music foreign from my country. I come from the Philippines and the common music here are in Filipino and English. Because of Anime and Japanese Tokusatsu shows, I like Japanese songs as well. I even have a favorite Japanese band for 8 years now. Later on, I began to like the songs of a Chinese singer because I used to watch Channel V Asia when our cable provider still had it. Then in 2006, I began listening to Spanish music after watching a telenovela from Mexico with nice music and with casts who are actually singers as well. All in all, I like Filipino, English, Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish songs. I love singing them but actually, I don't understand Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish songs. I do know some basic Japanese though, so that helps.
Is there anyone else who likes music of various languages too? Do your peers think you're weird or are impressed with you? I get "why Japanese?" all the time but I don't care. Those songs are really incredible and also opens doors to learning new languages.
6 people like this
24 responses
@ganda8831 (816)
• Philippines
30 Jul 08
I also like spanish songs. I think they're really sexy. There's nothing weird about listening to foreign songs. As long as you like doing it, no problem. It just shows that you're appreciative of all types of music from all over the world.
@wonderful07 (48)
•
31 Jul 08
Yes, I like songs of foreign languages. As a Chinese, I like English songs, because I understand it and like the language very much, besides Chinese songs. I also like French songs, I also listen to Spanish songs, for I like the music, especially Tango. I don't think you are weird to listen to foreign music. I dn't like Japanese songs, though I can even sing some and it's not difficult for
chinese people to learn Japanese songs.
1 person likes this
@wonderful07 (48)
•
2 Aug 08
Thank you! But I'm afraid I don't know what "kanji" means? I once learned some Japanese, but forget now. However, I know that some characters in the two languages have the same or similar meanings. but some have different meanings. If you can write the characters, maybe I can tell you the difference.
By the way, what foreign languages do you know besides English?
@EnslinPorter (1718)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
Hi! Thanks for the response! :D
It's always interested me that Kanji came from Chinese characters. Do the characters mean the same in China and in Japan? :)
@magojordan (3252)
• Philippines
30 Jul 08
No you're not weird, I listen to foreign music to since I'm a European Languages major. I listen to French, Italian, German and Spanish Songs. I do understand their songs since I've studied their languages. I also listen to Japanese songs since I love watching anime. I do understand some Japanese songs but since I'm really not that fluent with it I still stick with European Songs. 
@magojordan (3252)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
If you want you could call the department of European languages in UP diliman they offer extramural classes in French, Italian, German and Spanish. The number is +63 02 981 85 00 loc. 2121
@EnslinPorter (1718)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
Hi! Thanks for the response! :D
What a nice combination of languages. Just noticed that you're from the Philippines as well. What school offers that major? I'm really interested in becoming a polyglot. I'm beginning to have interest in European languages after watching some foreign films. Thanks! ;)
1 person likes this
@shintongs23 (537)
• Philippines
30 Jul 08
Hello, kababayan! I am from Quezon City. I love Korean songs especially those played from Korean TV series or the theme song itself of the series. I have a soundtrack of Endless Love 2 Winter Sonata and Princess Hours. I also love Spanish songs since I am studying Spanish language. But I prefer the Spanish songs from Latin American countries like the songs of Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez and Thalia. 
I am planning to take up Japanese language next semester so I thunk I might like some Japanese songs. Could you teach me some basics? 
My friends are impressed with my Spanish speaking skills but Korean, they just laugh at me. 
I am planning to take up Japanese language next semester so I thunk I might like some Japanese songs. Could you teach me some basics? My friends are impressed with my Spanish speaking skills but Korean, they just laugh at me. @EnslinPorter (1718)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
Hello too kababayan! Nice choice of music :D
I don't mind teaching you. I only know basics but I'll try to share what I know. ;)
By the way, from what institution are you taking Japanese? I've always wanted to do so but have no money to do so. Maybe when I start working. :D
@EnslinPorter (1718)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
By the way, my brother has a site for basic Japanese. I forgot the URL/address though. My brother's right above this section. He's zeroflash. :D
@trishasantos (1297)
• Philippines
29 Jul 08
Count me in! Were the same! Filipino who loves Japanese songs, Chinese, err not the Spanish though. But I dont get the "why Japanese?" question. lol. Friends know that I love Japan so they never question me. Even my parents, they support me. Like one time, my dad bought me a cd. lol. Until now, I still listen to Japanese songs, although I do not understand it all. But I love it and I do not find it weird. :)
1 person likes this
@trishasantos (1297)
• Philippines
1 Aug 08
Oh me too! Some friends of mine told me that I am the person that they think of when the topic is all about Japan... I love Arashi, one of Johnny's Entertainment's group, I just love Jun Matsumoto... And I love Ai Otsuka too, I like her Smily, the 680 yen song, the Babashi song and the Peach... And of course Utada Hikaru... try listening to Ai Otsuka...
@EnslinPorter (1718)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
Hi! Wow, what a coincidence, we are the same! :D My friends know too that I love Japan and I'm the first one that pops in their mind when they hear the word. But classmates and some acquaintances get to ask the "Why Japanese?" question. They think I'm weird, I don't :P I think of our interest in music of other nations as being unique. I'm not the kind who goes with what's "in" so I love being unique. Japanese songs rock! Even though I don't know what they're saying or if they're cursing already, hahaha :P By the way, do you happen to have a favorite Japanese singer/group? I'm fond of V6 from Johnny's Entertainment. Nice to meet you and take care! :D
@chubskulit (27)
• South Korea
30 Jul 08
Hello kabayan! I am a music lover too. If i like the tone of the music, I do listen to it even if I don't undertsand the lyrics hehehe.. Especially now that we're in Korea, I like some of their songs. What I do, is ask some of my korean friends, what's the meaning of the words. I also like spanish music (because of i love Celine D.'s songs and JLO).. We do understand a lil' bit of spanish language right.. I'm from Bicol so we uses a lot of Spanish words there..
@EnslinPorter (1718)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
Hello another kababayan! :D
It's nice to know that we really are lovers of music. By the way, I thought Spanish was mostly used in Visayas (Chavacano). Wow, Bicol uses it too. Thanks for sharing! ;)
@chubskulit (27)
• South Korea
31 Jul 08
The bicolanoes actually uses spanish a lot.. I found it out when I went overseas.. I watch TV with my daughter and they use a lot of spanis words that we use in our dialect too..
@greenline (14838)
• Canada
30 Jul 08
I like Japanese songs too very much. I have a collection of Japanese songs. I bought CD's at the Narita Airport. I don't understand a word, but it is really fantastic to listen to the songs and the music that goes with them
@EnslinPorter (1718)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
Hi! Thanks for the response. :D
Wow, I think I'll check out the Narita airport for CD's if ever I get there. Thanks for the info! ;)
@ryzach (1544)
• United States
30 Jul 08
I think it is great you are so open to other cultures and their music. I myself listen to all kinds of music and some foreign music as well. I like Spanish music and music from India. some people may think it is weird but you must enjoy your life and do what you like. If you enjoy something and it is not the norm for your group don't worry. You are the one who will be unique.
1 person likes this
@EnslinPorter (1718)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
Thanks for the response! :)
Yes, another reason why I like foreign music is that it makes me unique among other people. It sure is fun. :D
@zeroflashx2 (2491)
• Philippines
30 Jul 08
Definitely a yes. Same as you, I like Japanese and Chinese songs as well. I do understand a few of the Japanese lyrics and how the sentences are formed. But for Chinese songs, I'd just have to rely on hunches and instincts. My friends actually don't mind since they are used to Voltes V and other songs such as Maskman, Shaider, and Masked Rider Black. Chinese songs are a bit common especially around the Meteor Garden era.
It is definitely a good way to practice learning the language alongside learning the basics and fundamentals. I miss Cecilia Cheung.
Same as you, I like Japanese and Chinese songs as well. I do understand a few of the Japanese lyrics and how the sentences are formed. But for Chinese songs, I'd just have to rely on hunches and instincts. My friends actually don't mind since they are used to Voltes V and other songs such as Maskman, Shaider, and Masked Rider Black. Chinese songs are a bit common especially around the Meteor Garden era.
It is definitely a good way to practice learning the language alongside learning the basics and fundamentals. I miss Cecilia Cheung. @EnslinPorter (1718)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
Hehehe, Tokusatsu and Anime really opened up a new world for us. Good times...good times... :D
@dinhquanghuy (647)
• Vietnam
30 Jul 08
They said that music speak the same language in anywhere .Each country has it own music with special things .And I like to hear music from varius countries like u ,too .I alway listen music from US,China and Japan .I don't know the lyric of chinese and japanese songs but I like the melody ,and I think that enought
@EnslinPorter (1718)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
Hi! Thanks for the response.
I totally agree that music speaks the same language anywhere. :D
@kylie_quistis (1220)
• Philippines
30 Jul 08
Yeah, well other than American and UK songs, I also like to listen to foreign music like Japanese - like you, I started to loved it since I watched Anime and Jdorama and sometimes Korean musics because of Korean drama. It was quite fascinated and entertaining hearing these songs, and really helps me to understand more and practice a bit the little things that I learned in Nihonggo. At first, I feel weird as well for enjoying these songs, but now, I don't care much anymore, at least I am enjoying to listened to these music and also helps me to learn more about the language. 
1 person likes this
@EnslinPorter (1718)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
Thanks for the response! :)
It's really nice how Anime, JDorama, and Korean dramas influence their viewers' music interest. Keep on having fun with music! ;)
@kisanchhantyal (420)
• Nepal
31 Jul 08
I love listening music in NEPAL as I am from NEPAL but bein neighbour country I prefer HINDI .hindi are melodius in comparision to the worlds other music.
Apart from this I like ENGLISH music too,
1 person likes this
@bajahranks (33)
• Saint Lucia
30 Jul 08
well now that im studying in a spanish country really helps me to learn that language by listening to the music . i kinda like spanish music though. i also like creole music and a bit of french.
@EnslinPorter (1718)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
Hi! Thanks for the response.
It's nice to know that music is helpful for you. :D
@goodluky (4)
• Brazil
29 Jul 08
Most of the songs that i hear, are north american, i am a musician, guitar player, and i like the roots of north american music, despite being brazilian.
Lately, i begin to discover the roots of brazilian music, and is rich in harmony and lyrics.
Finally, for all, good music withou labels.
1 person likes this
@EnslinPorter (1718)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
I'm happy for you that you've started to discover the roots of your country's music. I used to not like music from my country but some things changed my mind about it and am loving our local music. Good for you! :D
@EnslinPorter (1718)
• Philippines
29 Jul 08
Thanks for responding! :D
Wow, what a nice variety! ;)
1 person likes this
@Xdrowninghavocx (3117)
• United States
29 Jul 08
Yes, I do. I feel connected to the world that way. Not everything that sounds good has to be heard in your native language. I think that more people should explore what each continent has to offer. It's a great way to 'travel' when you can't afford a plane ticket.
1 person likes this
@EnslinPorter (1718)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
Wow, you're absolutely right. I totally agree that it's a ticket to the world! :D Because of it, I've learned some things about the country of origin of these songs. Thanks for the response! ;)
@highlyclever (1111)
• United States
29 Jul 08
I was going to comment that my children sometimes come home from the library with children's music cds where the words are in many different languages... but then I realized that I often run on my treadmill to a cd by an artist with Spanish lyrics...
1 person likes this
@EnslinPorter (1718)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
Most Spanish songs are upbeat. I bet they really keep you going when you're on the treadmill. :D
@StarChild517 (657)
• United States
29 Jul 08
I enjoy listening to music in japanese even tho I have no clue what the heck they are saying O_o
1 person likes this
@EnslinPorter (1718)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
Thanks for responding! :D
Yeah, me too. I absolutely have no idea what the songs are about buy they're really cool. :)
@ishralene09 (2260)
• Philippines
29 Jul 08
I LOVE JAPANESE SONGS!!! I always listen to japanese songs. My favorite artists is YUI, Mikuni Shimokawa, and Utada Hikaru. I really don't care much about people asking me "why japanese" so were like the same. I don't really care about lyrics that much, because for me it's the music that really got me. It's different. It's a fresh perspective for a music lover. And most of my peers are Anime otakus so I don't really get much negative or weird comments from them. I know a bit of japanese because we have a subject like that in college.
1 person likes this
@EnslinPorter (1718)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
Wow, nice choice of music :D And wow again, for having that subject in college. :D We were supposed to have it but I don't know what happened. I really hate the school for not letting us learn Japanese. I think the succeeding batches are having it. I just graduated but I'm thinking of going back to the school and ask if I can enroll in that subject, hahaha :P
@dualityalex (237)
• Romania
29 Jul 08
I am from Romania so i listen romanian song,but most of all i listen american music (rap,hip-hop,rnb);i like ja rule
