If the sound of an Italian accent makes your heart skip a beat, you’re in good company. According to a new study, the melodic tones of Italy have been crowned the most heart-raising, leaving English and Dutch accents in the dust.
And there’s even research to prove it!
Researchers at Preply, the online tutoring platform, found that the Italian accent – as famously exemplified by the likes of celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo and actress Monica Bellucci – sends hearts racing by an impressive average of 15 beats per minute. Whether it’s the rolling Rs or the lilting cadence, there’s something about the way Italians speak that makes everyone feel a little more amore.
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“Italian sounds musical to human ears which can be perceived as being attractive.”
Embed from Getty ImagesSays language expert Aleksandra Stevanovic, who led the study. It’s no wonder it’s perceived as the most attractive accent. The rhythm and melody of the Italian language seem to strike a chord deep within us, almost as if it’s a love song all on its own.
1,050 UK adults seems to agree.
The study, which involved 1,050 UK adults, was conducted by attaching heart rate monitors to participants as they listened to prerecorded chat-up lines in various accents. Stevanovic said: “The higher the heart rate jumped, the more attractive the accent was to the listener according to our findings.” And while Italians took the top spot, it wasn’t good news for everyone.
It’s not good news for the Brits and the Dutch.
Unfortunately for our friends across the Channel (and even closer to home), English and Dutch accents were found to be the least exciting, with heart rates increasing by a mere six and seven beats per minute, respectively.
Oh, no! Not sure I agree as I always found English gents quite charming.
Embed from Getty ImagesAs Stevanovic put it, “Sadly, the English and Dutch accents are among the least attractive.” But hey, at least you can always fall back on your sense of humor!
Not far behind the Italians were the Portuguese.
Their accents caused heart rates to jump by 13 beats per minute. The French, often considered the language of love, secured third place with an 11-beat increase.
Now here’s a surprise!
Surprisingly, accents like Greek and Chinese also made the top five, proving that allure comes in many forms. The way a language is spoken, with all its nuances, clearly plays a significant role in how we perceive beauty and attraction.
Here’s what I think.
Now, I may be a little biased here, but I think I know a thing or two about those sexy Italians – I’m married to one! And let me tell you, the way they speak is just one of the many reasons I fell head over heels. There’s a natural melody to the way Italians speak, and after traveling to Italy myself, I can attest that the charm of the Italian accent is absolutely irresistible.
How about all the others?
Check out the full list here:
- Italian – 23 per cent or 15 beats per minute more
- Portuguese – 20 per cent or 13 beats per minute more
- French – 18 per cent or 11 beats per minute more
- Greek – 17 per cent or 10 beats per minute more
- Chinese – 16 per cent – 9 beats per minute more
- Japanese – 15 per cent – 8 beats per minute more
- German – 15 per cent – 8 beats per minute more
- Dutch – 12 per cent – 7 beats per minute more
- English – 10 per cent – 6 beats per minute more
Italians do it better, clearly!
So, while Italians might have the upper hand in the romance department, don’t despair if you’re stuck with an English or Dutch accent. As they say, beauty is in the ear of the beholder – and there’s always a way to win hearts with a good joke or two.
Plus, let’s not forget that British charm has its own undeniable appeal, even if it’s not scientifically proven to make pulses race. And who knows, maybe the next big study will reveal that it’s not just accents, but a good cup of tea (or a dry wit) that really gets the heart going.
H/T Preply.
