Willemijn's Speaking Voice

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 2/7/15 at 9:18pm

Is Willemijn's true english speaking voice in British English or American English, because I've seen videos of her where she speaks with an american english like when she had that interview with seth, then for some video for the olivier awards shes using the british english dialect. I know shes Dutch but when she speaks english how does she normally speak it??

[gypsy101]

Posted: 2/8/15 at 2:48am

Maybe since she's from the Netherlands she has an American accent while in America and a British accent when she's in England?

[promisespromises2]

Posted: 2/8/15 at 7:38am

This may be completely irrelevant, but I know a few musicians who end up using accents while in other countries because they just pick up on them. A violinist I know had the best ear with intonation and tone and she can do accents on the drop of a hat.

For Willemijen, I'm guessing if you are living in different countries and trying to learn their language, you will pick up on their accents. I actually love it!

[LarryD2]

Posted: 2/8/15 at 9:14am

I met her briefly while she was doing WICKED on Broadway and spoke to her for a few minutes. She speaks English perfectly, as if it were her native language, but I wouldn't judge her accent to be either traditionally American or British. (Of course, there's no such thing as a standard American or standard British accent). When I spoke to her, she spoke flawless English with a light German/Dutch accent; since Dutch is her native tongue, and she also speaks German, it makes sense that those would influence her speech.

[Kevinoes]

Posted: 2/8/15 at 12:21pm

Didn't Lea Salonga have a slight English accent when she was auditioning and working on "Miss Saigon" and by the time she was telecast winning her Tony in 1991, she had an American accent? I notice that when she goes into English on Philippine TV, her accent shifts.

A teacher of mine grew up in Liverpool, went to the Royal Ballet School where they have elocution classes to try and "middle-class" the accent, then at 17-18, moved to Canada to work in musical theatre. Her accent is the most interesting thing. You can absolutely tell she's English, but it has certainly gone through some influences as well.

For Willemijn, I don't know. It must be a mix of conscious effort and just naturally being around those sounds day in and day out.

Updated On: 2/8/15 at 12:21 PM

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 2/8/15 at 10:40pm

That makes a little more sense.