Hi Alex--I'm amused at what you've said about Hebrew and French sounding alike in songs. I don't know about the singing, but there have been times when some of the words sound similar in one way: there is a<em> "ch" </em>sound in Hebrew (such as at the end of the transliterated-into-English word <em>Baruch, w</em>hich means blessing). This <em>ch </em>sounds like when your throat itches inside and you try to "scratch it" by making this <em>ch</em> sound.

Teacher Phil gives great technical reasons in his comment below why Hebrew should not sound like French.

But sometimes I hear a French dialect (don't know which one) that also sounds like it has that Hebrew <em>ch--</em>again, sounding like you're "scratching" your throat inside. Not very romantic for French speaking or singing in my opinion. But you are the first person to ever comment on a similarity between Hebrew and French!

All the best,

italki teacher Ilene

When standing a certain distance away it just sounded quite similar. As I approached I could distinguish between the two languages. I guess it's as Ilene said, there are certain sounds such as 'ch' which may sound to someone not knowing any of the two languages similar. Thanks for the answers!

Certainly, the music will cover up the characteristic rhythm, stress and intonation, but the inventory of vowels and consonants is quite different. What dialect of French are you listening to? Off the top of my head, the main things to listen for are that

There are other differences as well that are not quite as obvious, but the above should clear things up for you right away.

Thanks for your help and concern, Phil. I was talking about my experience with not being able to distinguish the two languages when the speakers were a few meters away, but on coming closer I could distinguish it. I hope that explains it ;)

As I listen to both, I’m intrigued. You say in the title that you<em> “</em><em>often</em><em> can't say which language it is”</em> (emphasis mine). How often?