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Learning with The Big Bang Theory - why is Bernadette so hard to understand?

VreliNekipeli
I've been watching The Big Bang Theory without subtitles to improve my listening and comprehension skills while having fun. It's been going well with most characters, most of the time, but not Bernadette. Is it just me, or is there anything peculiar about the way she speaks? I don't think it's the high pitch or her speed. Maybe a regional accent? Any native speaker care to share their thoughts?

5 comments

Fizzabl•
When she's first introduced her voice is completely normal, she said herself (the actress) she wasn't really sure why, but she started putting the pitch up and changing how she spoke a little because it was funny - so it's not an accent in particular as far as I'm aware
culdusaq•
I just looked up the character and the only thing that seems notable to me is her very high-pitched voice.
zebostoneleigh•
The voice is intentionally unnatural. That actress does not speak like that in real life. Much like Howard’s mother speaks unnaturally.
Sparky-Malarky•
Interesting. Have you watched anything with Melanie Griffith? Her natural speaking voice is very soft and high. Quite childlike. I would be curious whether you find her speech hard to understand. Is it possible that you have more difficulty hearing in that register? Well, Bernadette's voice is just different. I do know that when you’re straining to do something, when you’re close to capacity, any little additional difficulty can be just too much.
listenandunderstand•
You can also listen to native speakers and improve your listening skills with learners videos! They speak in slow and clear English so that you can learn and understand https://youtu.be/-1iaGaam5Q0?si=F-lqWe-HqmLCXHTO https://youtu.be/_BfvucYgteY?si=mwoN8Oo667ec_1Rp