Arnold Schwarzenegger's Austrian Accent: Native Or Not?

Arnold Schwarzenegger is known for his signature thick accent, which is often described as Austrian. However, Schwarzenegger was born in the small Austrian village of Thal, and German is the official language of Austria. So, does Schwarzenegger speak Austrian, or does he speak German?

Arnold Schwarzenegger's native language is Austrian German

However, Schwarzenegger's particular variety of German is considered a rural dialect by Austrian standards. The Styrian dialect of Austrian German, spoken in Styria, the Austrian province where Schwarzenegger is from, is notably distinct from the Tyrolean dialect spoken in the region of Tirol. The Tyrolean dialect is centered on varying the letters "r" and "s," while the Styrian dialect tends to add vowels to other vowels. For example, the word "Leoben" becomes "Laeiouben" in the Styrian dialect, and "Biotop" becomes "Bioutoup."

Schwarzenegger's Austrian German accent is so strong that it has been deemed too distracting for some of his film roles. In the German dub of "The Terminator," for instance, another actor was chosen to voice the iconic character, as Schwarzenegger's accent was not considered a good fit for the role of a killer robot from the future. Similarly, in his 1969 movie debut "Hercules in New York," Schwarzenegger's thick accent was dubbed over after filming.

Despite facing challenges due to his accent, Schwarzenegger has embraced it and has even leveraged it to his advantage. He acknowledges that his Austrian intonations are a fan favorite and has stated that his accent has become his "trademark." While his accent was initially seen as an obstacle in his acting career, it eventually became one of his most beloved attributes.

In addition to Austrian German, Schwarzenegger is also fluent in English. He moved to the United States in 1968 and became a citizen in 1983. While he can speak English without an accent, he often chooses to retain his Austrian accent to please his fans, who have come to associate it with his persona.

He has a rural Austrian accent

Arnold Schwarzenegger is known for his signature accent, which is often considered a key part of his appeal. However, his Austrian accent has been described as "rural" or "hillbilly", and this has proven to be a point of contention for some. Given his rural Austrian roots, it is understandable that Schwarzenegger's accent would reflect the regional variations in pronunciation and vocabulary found in his native village of Thal, located near Graz.

The Styrian dialect, native to the region, is known for adding vowels to other vowels, resulting in unique pronunciations. For example, "Leoben" becomes "Laeiouben", and "Biotop" becomes "Bioutoup". This distinct accent sets it apart from other Austrian dialects, such as the Tyrolean dialect, which focuses on varying the letters "r" and "s".

The uniqueness of Schwarzenegger's accent becomes evident when comparing it to standard German. While German is the official language of Austria, Schwarzenegger's accent is considered too rural by German standards. This perception led to him being denied the opportunity to dub his lines in the German version of "The Terminator", as producers felt his accent would be too distracting for the role of a killer robot. Instead, another actor was cast to deliver the famous catchphrase "Hasta la vista, baby".

Despite initially being seen as an obstacle, Schwarzenegger's accent eventually became a beloved trademark. The actor himself acknowledged the shift in perception, noting that his accent is now widely imitated and has become a significant part of his persona. This transformation highlights how Schwarzenegger's accent, once deemed a liability, ultimately contributed to his success and enduring popularity.

While some may continue to view his Austrian accent as a liability in certain contexts, it is undeniable that it has played a pivotal role in shaping his public image and career trajectory. Schwarzenegger's experience challenges conventional notions of accent desirability, demonstrating that unique accents can be powerful assets rather than mere obstacles.

Schwarzenegger's accent was dubbed over in his first two films

Arnold Schwarzenegger is known for his distinctive accent, which has become a trademark of his public persona. However, his accent was not always seen as an advantage. In his first two films, Schwarzenegger's voice was dubbed over due to his thick Austrian accent.

Schwarzenegger's first film was the 1970 action-comedy "Hercules in New York", directed by Arthur Allan Seidelman. The film was shot on location and made on a meagre budget of $300,000. Schwarzenegger's agent had lied about his acting experience, claiming that he had plenty of "stage" experience when, in reality, his only stage appearances had been at bodybuilding competitions.

In "Hercules in New York", Schwarzenegger's voice was dubbed over by an uncredited voice actor. This was due to his thick Austrian accent, which was considered too rural by German standards. Interestingly, there is one scene in the film where Schwarzenegger's voice was not dubbed. In this scene, Hercules speaks to Pretzie through a small transistor radio. The DVD from Trimark contains a version with the "Original English Track", which features Schwarzenegger's actual voice.

Despite the dubbing, "Hercules in New York" was not a critical success, receiving a low rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, Schwarzenegger would go on to become one of the biggest action stars in the world, with roles in Conan the Barbarian and "The Terminator".

Schwarzenegger's accent was also dubbed over in his second film, "Conan the Barbarian" (1982). His voice was considered a better fit for his next role in "The Terminator", as the character of a futuristic robot allowed for more creative freedom. The world eventually fell in love with Schwarzenegger's quirky accent, and he admitted that he still uses it to please his fans, even though his English is perfectly fine.

In conclusion, while Schwarzenegger's accent was initially seen as an obstacle, it eventually became one of his most defining characteristics. His story serves as an inspiring reminder that perceived weaknesses can be transformed into strengths with the right perspective and determination.

He moved to the US in 1968 and became a citizen in 1983

Arnold Schwarzenegger's journey to the United States began in his early years. Born in the small Austrian village of Thal, he dreamed of leaving his humble beginnings behind and pursuing a life of fame and fortune. This ambition led him to immigrate to the US in 1968, marking the start of a remarkable American journey.

In his youth, Schwarzenegger was inspired by newsreels showcasing the wonders of America, from skyscrapers to Hollywood. He recognised that his village was too small to contain his aspirations, and so he set his sights on a future across the Atlantic. Schwarzenegger's path to the US was paved by his passion for bodybuilding, which he saw as his "ticket to America".

Upon his arrival in the US, Schwarzenegger threw himself into pursuing his dreams. He trained at Gold's Gym in Venice, Los Angeles, under the guidance of Joe Weider, and competed in bodybuilding competitions, winning multiple titles, including Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia. His dedication to his craft and his impressive physique soon opened doors to new opportunities.

During this time, Schwarzenegger also worked on improving his English, taking classes at a local community college to overcome the language barrier. He embraced the American way of life, starting various entrepreneurial ventures, including a fitness newsletter, a patio construction business, and investing in apartment buildings.

Schwarzenegger's hard work and determination paid off, and he soon found himself on a path to stardom. In 1984, he landed the iconic role of the Terminator, establishing himself as one of Hollywood's biggest action heroes. This role propelled him into the limelight, and he went on to star in numerous successful films, including "Conan the Barbarian," "Predator," and "Total Recall."

As his career flourished, Schwarzenegger continued to strengthen his ties to the US. In 1983, he became a US citizen, proudly embracing his new home while maintaining his Austrian citizenship. This decision reflected his deep connection to both countries and his desire to contribute to American society.

Schwarzenegger's impact on the US extended beyond the silver screen. In 2003, he was elected Governor of California, serving until 2011. His political career demonstrated his commitment to public service and his desire to give back to the country that had welcomed him with open arms.

Schwarzenegger says he can speak perfect English but keeps his accent for fans

Arnold Schwarzenegger has claimed that he can speak perfect English, but he sticks to his Austrian accent because it's what his fans expect. The actor, who was born in the small Austrian village of Thal, said his accent has become such a big part of him that people enjoy it.

Schwarzenegger's Austrian accent is considered "rural" by German standards. He moved to the US in 1968 and became a citizen in 1983. His role in the 1984 film "The Terminator" introduced the world to his signature thick accent. The film also made it clear that English probably isn't his first language.

Despite his accent, Schwarzenegger has become one of Hollywood's biggest action heroes. He admitted that his name, voice, and physique, which were once considered obstacles to his success, have become his assets. His accent, which was once seen as a disadvantage, is now his trademark and the most imitated accent in Hollywood.

Schwarzenegger expressed that he could speak unaccented English if he needed to, but he chooses to keep his Austrian accent because it's what his fans expect and identify him with. He told the Wall Street Journal, "It's now become such a big part of me, the accent, that people really enjoy it... It proves that perception has changed. In the 1970s, people were frightened of the German accent. People said it gave them goosebumps. Now I have the most imitated accent. It's a trademark."

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