A research challenge

[ajva]

You know I absolutely love people speaking languages, particularly British politicians. So! Apparently Nick Clegg speaks Dutch, German, French and Spanish. I've found a video of the first of these, and very impressive it is too - his Mum is Dutch, apparently - but I'd pay good money to find video examples of him speaking the other languages. But in my first research attempt, I've had difficulty. So I'll throw this out to the floor, and make this pledge: £10 per different language to the charity of your choice for anyone who can find me a clear video of Clegg speaking French, German or Spanish that lasts long enough to show he does it well or badly (i.e. "merci monsieur!" as a protester throws a croissant in his face would not quite suffice).

Here's my offered Dutch one.

Comments

[ajva.livejournal.com]

Really? That surprises me. Is it possible you're used to a Belgian/Flemish accent?

[emmy-mallow.livejournal.com]

Nope. The accent I was most used to was one from the north of the Nederlands. I had a relationship with a Dutch guy for a while. He used to say that there was a real north / south divide with accents and you could tell where someone was from really easily. Apparently southern Dutch accents are more rounded and musical, a bit like our impression of a Bristolian or a Farmer!

Tiesto, the DJ, is a good example of a southern Dutch accent. I'll have a hunt around to see if I can find some recording of a Northern accent so you can hear the difference.

Cleggs accent (to me) sounds really clipped and not rounded or musical at all. So that indicates foreign or northern Dutch. But then, I'm not that much of an expert - just have a thing for Dutch men and their voices!

[barakta]

I've left a Cloggy friend of mine on IRC a 'tell' asking what he thinks of Cleggy's Cloggy accent. Will report back.