Heather Hansen challenges language stereotypes and the notion of 'good' English. She discusses the impacts of accent bias in the workplace and how to combat it. The podcast explores the importance of effective communication regardless of accent and provides strategies to address and overcome accent bias.
Effective communication is key, regardless of accent, to combat bias in the workplace.
Language biases stem from historical influences, impacting communication and social hierarchy.
Deep dives
Importance of Addressing Bias in the Workplace
Bias in the workplace, including accent bias, hinders people from advancing in their careers and achieving success. The stigma around mental health is just one form of bias. This bias impacts communication, advancement, and overall work environment. Heather Hansen emphasizes effective communication regardless of accent to combat bias.
Global Influence on Language Bias
English dominance in global business leads to biases against accented English speakers. Heather highlights the value of communication effectiveness over notions of 'good' or 'bad' English. She addresses accent bias in multinational companies, education, and culture, encouraging awareness and change.
Impact of Colonialism and Imperialism on Language
Colonialism and imperialism have deeply influenced language biases and hierarchies. English's global prominence stems from historical control tactics. Language carries power, status, and signifies social hierarchy. Data shows how language choices reflect political motives and cultural influences.
Managing Accent Bias in the Workplace
Addressing accent bias requires awareness and understanding from both accented speakers and listeners. Accented individuals must continue speaking up to be heard and understood. Listeners should identify and confront biases to improve communication and foster inclusivity in the workplace.
Heather Hansen challenges the notion of "good" and "bad" English. Good communication is about getting the message across. She’s based in Singapore and helps executives with their linguistic and communication skills. Hansen is helping us tackle a real problem in our increasingly globalized work world: accent bias. Hansen is on a mission to help increase awareness about our assumptions of what “perfect” English sounds like-- and what we think a good leader sounds like. She explains the negative impacts that accent bias can have, and how we can fight it.
To learn more about Heather, check out her TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/heather_hansen_2_billion_voices_how_to_speak_bad_english_perfectly
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode