Entanglements, by Undark Ep. 61: When Accents Speak Louder Than Words
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May 31, 2022 Liz Landau, a writer and science communicator, dives into the complex world of accents and their impact on communication for scientists in the U.S. She shares personal narratives illustrating how accents can affect career opportunities and perceptions of identity. Discussions highlight the challenges faced by educators navigating language barriers, the debate over accent modification, and the biases that accompany accent perception. The episode underscores the need for inclusivity and appreciation of linguistic diversity in academia and professional environments.
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Accent and Identity
- Hannah Terlecka, a physicist, moved to the U.S. from Ukraine.
- She found that Americans quickly identify her as foreign based on her accent, making her feel like a stranger.
Student Complaints
- Hannah Terlecka's students complained about her accent when she began teaching physics in the U.S..
- They lacked experience with non-native accents, affecting her confidence.
Accent Development
- Accents are shaped by early childhood exposure and solidify over time.
- This makes adopting new sounds in adulthood challenging due to limited articulatory practice.