Why does the train at MSP have a British accent?
Apr 17, 2006 | 2:24 pm
#31
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Originally Posted by jackal
From the WCCO story:"Some speculate it is because the British accent is considered intelligent, soothing, and authoritative why still being friendly. Still others figure it adds some international flavor to our international airport." / Do you think this could be referring to you, BearX220? :-)
Apr 20, 2006 | 1:25 pm
#32
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Originally Posted by docrok
People in the Twin Cities love it for some reason. I grew up there and later worked at KDWB, the top 40 station that decided to change the "official" female voice (the one in all the station promos, etc) to one with a british accent around 98-99.
May 4, 2006 | 12:21 am
#33
Join Date: Jan 2005
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I agree that we should get someone with a good Minnesotan accent to record some stuff, at least for the airport if not for the Hiawatha line. But you should know full well that we don't talk like "Fargo"; there are a few, but most of us talk fairly standard. I've hosted Chinese and Korean families and they've all said the "MN accent" was the easiest for them to learn from and listen to compared to LA, TX, NYC, CHI, etc. Heck, even the Wisconsinites, Iowans, and Dakotans talk funny compared to us. We're normality nestled in a blanket of oddities. 
May 5, 2006 | 10:57 am
#34
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Originally Posted by SchmutzigMSP
I agree that we should get someone with a good Minnesotan accent to record some stuff, at least for the airport if not for the Hiawatha line. But you should know full well that we don't talk like "Fargo"; there are a few, but most of us talk fairly standard. I've hosted Chinese and Korean families and they've all said the "MN accent" was the easiest for them to learn from and listen to compared to LA, TX, NYC, CHI, etc. Heck, even the Wisconsinites, Iowans, and Dakotans talk funny compared to us. We're normality nestled in a blanket of oddities.
May 6, 2006 | 1:04 pm
#35
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Originally Posted by milepig
Yeah, yeah yeah. Everyone thinks they're the one who doesn't talk funny!
My wife pointed out the train voice yesterday... I hadn't noticed it last time I was in MSP, but she immediately wanted to know why they used a British accent.
Oct 27, 2006 | 4:12 pm
#36
Join Date: Oct 2006
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Originally Posted by mspnwa
http://wcco.com/local/local_story_089181816.html
The local CBS station did some more of their crack sleuthing to clear up this mystery...
The local CBS station did some more of their crack sleuthing to clear up this mystery...
Oct 29, 2006 | 6:58 pm
#37
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Vocal culture shock
If it's culture shock you're after, spend two weeks among the charming brogue of Ireland, stop over at Schipol and listen to the lilting announcements there....
.... then land in Boston.
It was like having skid marks on your ears.
Even the beautiful British accent of MSP wasn't enough to put things right.
.... then land in Boston.
It was like having skid marks on your ears.
Even the beautiful British accent of MSP wasn't enough to put things right.
Nov 2, 2006 | 5:54 am
#38
Join Date: Jul 2005
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Originally Posted by sscott77
The announcements in the other parts of the airport do not have an accent.
My favorite "other" announcement at MSP is the one reminding parents to act like parents and watch their kids.
Nov 7, 2006 | 8:13 pm
#39
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,884
I think airport employees are doing some of the new announcements at MSP regarding liquids in carry-ons. Every week it seems to be a different person and doesn't at all sound like a script, especially with some "uh's" and "um's" scattered throughout the announcement. Wonder if they have to draw straws for the duty or if it's a recognition award for something. 