Most people recognise if someone speaks with a foreign accent. But to define what a foreign accent is exactly, is not so easy. There is a consensus that it refers to deviations in pronunciation from ‘target-like’ or native speech. However, defining what ‘target-like’ speech is, can be challenging. Native speech varies considerably depending on the region where it is spoken, the speaker’s background and the context where it is used. Some linguists refer to ‘perceived foreign accent,’ but accent by nature and by definition is something that is noticed by listeners. This means that for someone to have an accent a listener is also needed who perceives it as such. 

Transcript

A foreign accent mainly results from the influence of a person’s native language (or the languages they learned early on in life). We are often unable to distinguish or perceive certain sounds in a foreign language that do not occur in our native language, as our brains tend to filter out sounds and variations deemed irrelevant based on early language exposure. And, if we cannot hear something, it is less likely we will be able to produce it. Even if we can perceive a sound accurately, it does not necessarily mean we will be able to produce it accurately or consistently, especially in spontaneous speech. 

Fluent speech requires complex muscle coordination in the tongue, lips and vocal cords, that is, a lot of muscle memory. Over time, with instruction and regular practice in listening and speaking, foreign accents can become less pronounced if a speaker wishes to adopt a more native-like pronunciation. However, pronunciation is more closely linked to identity than any other language subskills like grammar or vocabulary, and for this reason it can evoke particular emotions. People often feel embarrassed or worried about their accents. These feelings can lead to communication breakdowns, have a negative impact on self-efficacy and result in poor integration into the host culture.

These fears are not unfounded. The way we speak provides information about our background, including age and ethnicity, and it can lead to discrimination. For instance, native speakers are more likely to be believed if they make a surprising or interesting statement than non-native speakers. Dr Rosina Lippi-Green (2012) showed that foreign-accented characters in Disney films are twice as likely to be evil than characters with an American English accent. Speakers with a foreign accent are shown to be discriminated against within the housing and job markets too which, obviously, might have a huge impact on their lives. Discriminatory or unjust treatment based on a person’s accent or language use is called accentism. While race, religion, gender identity and sexual orientation are protected characteristics in the UK, accent is not yet.

Some foreign accents, however, are perceived more favourably than others. In a study carried out in the US, French-accented English was generally perceived more favourably than Arabic- or Vietnamese-accented English (Dragojevic & Goatley-Soan, 2020). So, it is not hard to see how accentism can be a proxy for other types of discrimination. Native English accents are also associated with different characteristics that can lead to discrimination.

Foreign accents are a natural and beautiful reflection of linguistic diversity. With practice and exposure they can become less noticeable; however, a speaker’s accent is part of their personal and cultural identity. As listeners, we can remind ourselves that accentism is a form of discrimination, and we can develop greater tolerance for ambiguity or occasional misunderstandings in others’ speech.