Emilia Clarke, renowned for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in the hit series “Game of Thrones,” recently expressed her feelings of being “hurt” and “really pissed” over alleged criticism of her Dothraki accent by language expert, David J. Peterson. This revelation occurred during an appearance on “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” where Clarke promoted her new series, “Ponies.” However, Peterson has since clarified that such criticism was never his intention, touching on the unique challenges of mastering a fictional language. This article delves into the details surrounding the misunderstanding and Peterson’s clarification.
Emilia Clarke’s Reaction to Alleged Criticism
On her recent promotional tour, Emilia Clarke spotlighted a moment from her “Game of Thrones” days that left her feeling “hurt” and “really pissed.” Clarke described reading an article that she believed contained criticism of her Dothraki accent by David J. Peterson, the linguist behind the creation of the language. Clarke explained, “I put so much energy into learning Dothraki, and I was like, ‘What, bro? It’s not real! It’s not a real language! I can’t suck at it because me saying it on the TV, that’s how it goes…’” Her reaction underscored her effort and dedication to the role.
Clarification by David J. Peterson
In response to Clarke’s comments, Peterson reached out to Entertainment Weekly to clarify the situation. He explained that any perception of criticism of Emilia Clarke’s Dothraki was misconstrued. “I think Emilia may have misunderstood what I said, because I’ve never criticized her Dothraki,” he stated. He emphasized that Clarke’s portrayal was meant to reflect her character’s non-native status with the language, comparing the critique to criticizing an actor’s deliberate performance choice.
Peterson further added, “Her character was never supposed to speak it like a first language, so she never had to be good at it.” His assertion that Clarke’s accent was intentionally imperfect highlights the realism and depth they sought to bring to her character’s journey.
Previous Statements and Support
The source of confusion for Clarke remains uncertain. In a past interview with Rolling Stone, Peterson commented on Clarke’s Dothraki, noting, “It’s always funny to me to hear Emilia Clarke speak Dothraki. Of course, her character is not supposed to be fluent, and it really sounds… not fluent.” This was intended as a compliment to her character portrayal rather than a critique of her linguistic ability.
Peterson has praised Clarke in other interviews as well. Speaking to Vanity Fair in 2019, he said, “Emilia, thank you for everything you did. Your non-native, yet fluent Dothraki always sounded very nice, so well done.” Such statements reinforce his appreciation for Clarke’s performance and her contribution to the show’s success.
Emilia Clarke’s Legacy
Emilia Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen earned her four Emmy nominations, cementing her legacy in television history. Despite recent discussions about her Dothraki accent, Clarke’s commitment to her roles is indisputable. In a recent conversation with The New York Times, she mentioned her reluctance to return to the fantasy genre, stating, “You’re highly unlikely to see me get on a dragon, or even in the same frame as a dragon, ever again.”
Clarke’s passionate defense of her work and Peterson’s clarification highlight the intricate balance of language, character development, and audience perception, all contributing to the lasting impact of “Game of Thrones.”
