Dylan's accent

[Jackal]

For the English (US English) native speakers among us, what kind of accent does Dylan have when he speaks? When he does the band intro for instance. It doesn't sound like any of the three major accents in the US (New England, Southern and Midwest/West Coast). It probably sounds more like a Southern accent. Is it just theatrics?

[Fletch]

In the 60s he sounded like Cate Blanchett.       Can't say I've heard his normal talking voice in recent times?

[Jules]

Mmmm, I

[tunnel85]

I know a New Yorker who doesn't understand anything when Dylan sings.

[Rollergirl]

I know a New Yorker who doesn't understand anything when Dylan sings.

eeeerr, I think that goes for most people, wherever they are from 

[Jules]

I know a New Yorker who doesn't understand anything when Dylan sings.

Mmmm, its true that I didnt understand almost anything he screamed during the concert, but when he introduced the band it was like he was talking with his mouth filled with bread...

[marky49]

I know a New Yorker who doesn't understand anything when Dylan sings.

Mmmm, its true that I didnt understand almost anything he screamed during the concert, but when he introduced the band it was like he was talking with his mouth filled with bread...

I thought it was a carpet...but could be! ;-)

[Pottel]

twm will be able to tell us...where is he when you need him :-)

[Maxx]

Mmmm, I

[Jackal]

Ok, so this is what I'm talking about ...

 


Never thought I'd post this on YouTube 

[Jackal]

I'd imagine the "professor" in Devil Baby would speak with a voice like that.

"And to your left, ladies and gentleman, lo and behold, LADY GAGA!"

[twm]

I did a slightly more extensive reply earlier but it appears to be lost in the aether.

Dylan was born and brought up in Minnesota and told one interviewer that he speaks with a North Dakota-Minnesota-Midwestern accent.

An academic, David Pichaske, devoted, I seem to recall, a chapter in his book "Song Of The North Country" to this very subject (covering pronunciation and related matters) and linking these to his upbringing in Minnesota.

[twm]

Song of the North Country: A Midwest Framework to the Songs of Bob Dylan

Continuum Press, 2010
ISBN: 9781441197665
$25 paperback (384 pages)
Order from Continuum Press, 80 Maiden Lane, Suite 704, New York, NY 10038
 

In the 1966 Playboy interview, Dylan said,

[Jules]

Ok, so this is what I'm talking about ...

 


Never thought I'd post this on YouTube 

Why you did that? I thought I was capable to understand english until now!!!!

 

[Mr Young at Heart]

Hey, what's wrong, on third listen it's easy to understand (in case you know the names of the musicans that is).

 


(I'm not a native speaker. Actually my English's really baaaaaaaaad...)