Nadia Comaneci - Olympic Gold Medalist: Gymnastics

[The Todd]

Originally Posted by Krom

Very briefly, in the mid-70s, she was practically the most famous girl on the planet.

I wonder if they ever thought of asking Mary Lou Retton- America's smile queen- to do the show??

[Google]

 

[Luvstruck]

It is good to see Nadia and I wish her luck. She is going to need it to win $ for her charity against this crew! It was great of Trump to give the team captain the money earned on the task for their charity. The celebrity premise with the money going to charity makes this version of Apprentice a hit in my book!!!!

[shoepie]

I am surprised her accent is so pronounced. She has been here long enough to have better diction.

[Ellen]

Originally Posted by shoepie

I am surprised her accent is so pronounced. She has been here long enough to have better diction.

So has Schwarzenegger, but he still has a very thick accent as well.

As an ESL teacher, I've noticed (and studied) how various people deal with (or don't) mother-tongue interference and foreign accent. Some come by picking up foreign sounds and eliminating their accents quite naturally, and others really have to work at it. It's a matter of being aware of it [one's accent] and making an effort -- either on one's own or with a dialect coach or teacher -- to get rid of it.

For me, I had to make an effort to get rid of my American accent when working on becoming fluent in German and French. I got to the point where people didn't recognize me as American -- they knew I wasn't from their city, but they couldn't guess my origin by my accent! And when I moved to California from Milwaukee, the first thing I did was work on getting rid of my regional Wisconsin accent. Really, it can be done!

[princessKIM]

I like the fact that not only is she raising money for the special Olympics,but she also serves on their board of directors. She talks the talk but also walks ths walk and I respect that.

[shoepie]

Originally Posted by Ellen

So has Schwarzenegger, but he still has a very thick accent as well.

As an ESL teacher, I've noticed (and studied) how various people deal with (or don't) mother-tongue interference and foreign accent. Some come by picking up foreign sounds and eliminating their accents quite naturally, and others really have to work at it. It's a matter of being aware of it [one's accent] and making an effort -- either on one's own or with a dialect coach or teacher -- to get rid of it.

For me, I had to make an effort to get rid of my American accent when working on becoming fluent in German and French. I got to the point where people didn't recognize me as American -- they knew I wasn't from their city, but they couldn't guess my origin by my accent! And when I moved to California from Milwaukee, the first thing I did was work on getting rid of my regional Wisconsin accent. Really, it can be done!

Good for you! I have a lot of respect for someone making the effort to speak English well when they take up residency here. Arnold, pfffffffft! Love the guy but clearly he works hard at keeping his!

[Bearcata]

Originally Posted by shoepie

Good for you! I have a lot of respect for someone making the effort to speak English well when they take up residency here. Arnold, pfffffffft! Love the guy but clearly he works hard at keeping his!

Arnold's accent is or lack off is much much better than when he first came to this country.

[Bonbonlover]

I appreciate when people take to effort to learn the language, but I guess I am wondering what is wrong with having a foreign accent? I love listening to the way our words can be said in so many different ways... English, Latin, French, not to forget the regional accents we have in America...Boston, Texas, Alabama... Isn't that what is so beautiful about America?

[shoepie]

Originally Posted by Bonbonlover

I appreciate when people take to effort to learn the language, but I guess I am wondering what is wrong with having a foreign accent? I love listening to the way our words can be said in so many different ways... English, Latin, French, not to forget the regional accents we have in America...Boston, Texas, Alabama... Isn't that what is so beautiful about America?

Oh of course. There is nothing wrong with having and accent. My point is that usually ones accent fades a bit after having been here for decades. Just makes you wonder if they try to keep it.

[Ellen]

Originally Posted by shoepie

Oh of course. There is nothing wrong with having and accent. My point is that usually ones accent fades a bit after having been here for decades. Just makes you wonder if they try to keep it.

And certain accents can be a help or hindrance in the career market. It really is to a person's benefit to be aware of and have good control over his/her accent(s) and to be able to adapt.

In "Ah-nuld"'s case, it's his trademark; people expect it. With Ms.Comaneci, I imagine that her accent benefits her in some cases but hinders her in others. It depends on the situation.

In my profession, a "level" standard accent gives me much more credibility with clients than a strong regional one would. Speaking French or German without the American accent puts me in a much more favorable light in any situation with native French or German speakers. But if I'm dishing with fellow Cheeseheads about the Packers, or just talking with friends or family back in the midwest, my M'waukee accent works better, dontcha know, aina hey? (though I usually leave off the "dontcha know, aina hey" stuff, 'cuz that drove me nuts even when I still lived there)