Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing What your accent says about you (and your identity), with Rob Drummond
Jun 19, 2025
Rob Drummond, a sociolinguist from Manchester Metropolitan University and author of "You're All Talk," dives deep into the fascinating world of accents. He discusses how accents not only shape our identities but also influence perceptions across social classes. The conversation touches on the Accent Van project, capturing diverse voices from Greater Manchester, and explores the challenges of bias in accent research. Drummond also highlights issues like code-switching and linguistic discrimination, revealing the powerful impact of speech on opportunities and societal interactions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
The Accent Van Project
- Rob Drummond used a mobile recording studio called the Accent Van to collect authentic speech recordings from Greater Manchester residents.
- This innovative approach allowed people to share their stories comfortably in their own environment.
Accent Pride Amid Prejudice
- People show strong local and regional pride in their accents despite facing prejudice, especially northern English speakers.
- Many resist changing their accent even under social pressure, valuing it as part of their identity.
Class Shapes Accent Bias
- In Britain, attitudes about accents are deeply tied to social class and historic hierarchies.
- Accent biases form early and persist despite having no linguistic basis for superiority.
