Vowel Sounds: Bengali has a rich variety of vowel sounds, including both short and long vowels. Some vowels are pronounced in a more nasalized way compared to English.
Consonant Sounds: Bengali has a number of consonant sounds that are not found in English, such as retroflex consonants (e.g., "ṭ", "ḍ", "ṇ"). These sounds can be difficult for English speakers to pronounce initially.
Intonation: Bengali has a very distinctive intonation, with a rising and falling rhythm that can sound quite musical to the untrained ear. This intonation can be challenging for non-native speakers to master.
Influence of Sanskrit: As with many Indian languages, Bengali has been heavily influenced by Sanskrit, which is evident in the language's vocabulary and grammar. This influence lends the language a certain level of formality and elegance.
Regional Variations: There are several regional variations of Bengali, each with its own unique pronunciation and accent. The dialect spoken in Kolkata (Calcutta) is considered the standard form of Bengali.
Overall Impression: Bengali is often described as a soft, flowing language with a musical quality. It's a language that's enjoyable to listen to, even if you don't understand the words.
To get a better sense of what Bengali sounds like, I encourage you to listen to some recordings of Bengali speakers or music. You can find many resources online, such as YouTube videos or Bengali language learning websites.