[listening] Curiosity : asking to English native speakers

[nzaier]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS_w8DWC5yQ


Hey folks,

I am really wondering how English native speakers feel about this video clip linked above.

The man in the movie speaks so fast, then it's really hard to catch up with his talking speed.

Are you guys (English native) able to understand his talking without any slightest hesitation, or even you guys have a little difficulty?!

Thanks in advance.

 

[jutfrank]

Yes, we can follow what he's saying. This clip is from a very popular BBC television show called Sherlock, so of course the actor is deliberately speaking clearly. This means his speech is still possible to understand despite the rapidity with which he's speaking. If we couldn't understand, it would mean the director would have done a bad job, which just wouldn't happen.

 

[emsr2d2]

It's certainly rapid-fire speech, and it's an impressive monologue but yes, native speakers can follow it perfectly. That's helped by Benedict Cumberbatch's beautiful enunciation. It's possible that it would have been harder to follow if delivered by a less accomplished actor/speaker or by a non-thespian!