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Emilia Clarke Defends Dothraki Skills Amid Linguist's Clarification

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Emilia Clarke expressed frustration over linguist David J. Peterson's comments about her Dothraki pronunciation in Game of Thrones, saying she felt hurt.
David J. Peterson clarified that he never criticized Emilia Clarke and that Daenerys Targaryen was not meant to speak Dothraki fluently, noting imperfections were intentional.
Emilia Clarke, who starred in all eight seasons, indicated she is unlikely to return to the fantasy genre.

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Story summary

Emilia Clarke expressed frustration over linguist David J. Peterson's comments about her Dothraki pronunciation in Game of Thrones, saying she felt hurt.
David J. Peterson clarified that he never criticized Emilia Clarke and that Daenerys Targaryen was not meant to speak Dothraki fluently, noting imperfections were intentional.
Emilia Clarke, who starred in all eight seasons, indicated she is unlikely to return to the fantasy genre.