Intelligence Squared All Talk: How Dialects and Diversity Enrich the Culture of the UK
Jan 7, 2024
In a captivating discussion, Rob Drummond, a Professor of Sociolinguistics, shares insights from his book, "You're All Talk." He explores how accents and dialects shape identity and influence societal perceptions. The conversation covers the prejudice linked to accent bias, the evolution of English dialects in the UK, and the dynamic nature of Multicultural London English. Drummond also highlights how language diversity enriches cultural identity, reflecting on its implications for social inclusion and understanding in contemporary society.
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Accent Prejudice Persists
- Accent-based judgment persists, influencing perceptions of others.
- It often masks other prejudices like classism, as regional accents correlate with social scales.
Student Accent Criticism
- 40% of students report experiencing accent-based criticism or mockery, according to the Sutton Trust.
- Seemingly lighthearted mockery can be hurtful when constant, especially during life transitions like university.
Accent Popularity in the UK
- Received Pronunciation (RP) ranks high in prestige and professionalism but lower in trustworthiness and friendliness.
- Accents like Newcastle or Scottish score higher on friendliness.
