I've always found Spanish and Italian easier to understand than French, but I think that this is because I think the French join so many words together and leave out so many letters that it feels like they are mumbling.
Of course, I've heard English described as "mumbling"too, but for some reason, I'm pretty sure it's not the same kind of mumbling I am talking about.
Written, I think all romance languages are on a pretty equal footing in terms of English speakers understanding them without prior knowledge. I'm bias though since I grew up with Spanish speakers all around me and had Spanish education beginning at six. So I've really never "not" had prior knowledge.
Of course, I've heard English described as "mumbling"too, but for some reason, I'm pretty sure it's not the same kind of mumbling I am talking about.
Written, I think all romance languages are on a pretty equal footing in terms of English speakers understanding them without prior knowledge. I'm bias though since I grew up with Spanish speakers all around me and had Spanish education beginning at six. So I've really never "not" had prior knowledge.