Remember that episode in “Friends” where Ross was doing a fake British English accent just to make a good first impression when he started teaching at the university?
It is inevitable that some questions come to mind:
Why is having a British English accent associated with making a “good” impression?
Are some specific accents more highly esteemed than others?
The philosophy mentioned above many times has a hidden and harmful consequence: it generates feelings of shame and inadequacy among foreign language learners. We shall all agree that one of the greatest concerns, if not the greatest, of language learners is how to achieve this native-like accent when learning a new language. Many individuals, upon attempting to speak a foreign language, quickly become aware of how distinct their accent is compared to the “native” standard. Additionally, second language learners often become subjects of mockery, something that is not only observed in classrooms filled with teenagers but sometimes also in adult groups. As a result, learners develop a reluctance to speak or feel ashamed for not being able to “hide” their personal identity and background.
Before attempting to understand what the importance of accents in language learning is, we first need to clarify what accent is. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, accent is defined as “the way in which people in a particular area, country, or social group pronounce words”. In other words, a person’s accent is the product of where this person is from, and, in some cases, of their social or even educational background.
Accent has been a burning issue in the areas of language learning and language teaching. However, recent research highlights the significance of intelligibility, the capability of being understood[1], within the English-speaking community, regardless of whether individuals are native speakers or non-native speakers, shifting the focus away from accent. In other words, what should be considered vital is the correct pronunciation of the words and people’s ability to be comprehended rather than their accent.
The truth is that each one of us has got an accent.
And we should embrace it.
It is simply an indispensable part of our identity.
So, in reality, we should always respect and admire people who have a foreign accent, because that probably means that they can speak more than one language. Unfortunately, among other forms of discrimination, we do also come across linguistic discrimination, namely accentism. Accentism refers to the act of discrimination or unfair treatment based on an individual’s accent or language use and it is often described as one of the last socially acceptable forms of prejudice. For this reason, it is high time linguistic variation was accepted and accent bias was recognised in the same way other prejudices are.
“Do you know what a foreign accent is?
It’s a sign of bravery.”~ Amy Chua ~
In our society, we are already striving to avoid mistreating individuals based on factors such as their skin color, size, sexuality, gender identity, religion, social class, or place of origin. All of these aspects can be reflected in people’s accents and voices. Should we promote their elimination? Or can we adapt to societal expectations while embracing the diverse and delightful accents that are a product of our unique identities?
by Maria G.
[1] © Collins 2023 (https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/intelligibility)
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