Accent Advisor’s Post

Worth mentioning in any conversation on accent bias is the phenomena of accent hallucination and accent perception (Rubin, 1992; 2012), as well as features of #raciolinguisticideologies. Even before and parallel to exclusionary language ideologies interacting with access and opportunity in the workforce are impacts in #education. As both students and educators navigate the 'right' way to speak and be heard, and deal with the social ramifications of speaking the 'wrong' way. What we learn from the experiences of racialized speakers and scholars such as Nelson Flores, Jonathan Rosa, H. Samy Alim (and so many others) is that even the most 'perfect' sounding speech can be perceived as accented and incorrect depending on so many other features of the speaker (and listener). We see these discrepancies in opportunity in terms of student support in major disciplines, grading, and disciplinary decisions - to name a few. One of the main lessons I tried to impart to my Introduction to #Linguistics students was that language bias is socially constructed, arbitrary, subjective... and I always tried to get them to ask "who does this 'rule' benefit?" I would often remind them that if they had difficulty comprehending accented speech, it may simply indicate they haven't spent enough time around different varieties of English (if we were talking about English) and they need to exercise their listening skills. Educational professionals in higher education can work to dismantle these sorts of linguistic biases by developing more language awareness, honing their own listening skills, questioning (critically) where they participate in elevating certain speakers and ways of languaging, and evaluating decision making processes - especially those that involve access to spaces and opportunities for learners.

Accent bias is real. I’ve seen it first hand in situations where people with accents were not being listened to, not having their ideas respected, or not being perceived as professional…when, in fact, they were brilliant, articulate and insightful. Has an accent bias impacted who you hired/didn’t hire for a position? Whose idea was followed up on in a meeting (or only when it was repeated later by someone without an accent)? Who you sat with at lunch? When we become aware of our unconscious biases, we can work to overcome them. #DEI #Belonging #InclusiveWorkplaces #InclusiveLeadership #InclusionMatters

Worth mentioning in any conversation on accent bias is the phenomena of accent hallucination and accent perception (Rubin, 1992; 2012), as well as features of #raciolinguisticideologies. Even before and parallel to exclusionary language ideologies interacting with access and opportunity in the workforce are impacts in #education. As both students and educators navigate the 'right' way to speak and be heard, and deal with the social ramifications of speaking the 'wrong' way. What we learn from the experiences of racialized speakers and scholars such as Nelson Flores, Jonathan Rosa, H. Samy Alim (and so many others) is that even the most 'perfect' sounding speech can be perceived as accented and incorrect depending on so many other features of the speaker (and listener). We see these discrepancies in opportunity in terms of student support in major disciplines, grading, and disciplinary decisions - to name a few. One of the main lessons I tried to impart to my Introduction to #Linguistics students was that language bias is socially constructed, arbitrary, subjective... and I always tried to get them to ask "who does this 'rule' benefit?" I would often remind them that if they had difficulty comprehending accented speech, it may simply indicate they haven't spent enough time around different varieties of English (if we were talking about English) and they need to exercise their listening skills. Educational professionals in higher education can work to dismantle these sorts of linguistic biases by developing more language awareness, honing their own listening skills, questioning (critically) where they participate in elevating certain speakers and ways of languaging,

Break through language barriers at work with Accent Advisor's personalized accent reduction training. Improve communication, boost confidence, and open doors to better career opportunities. 💼🌟 #workplacecommunication #AccentAdvisor #AccentReduction

East or West We have to make all the best ! Master Cross-Cultural Communication Cultural Awareness: Educate yourself about diverse cultures to understand values, norms, and communication styles. Active Listening: Listen attentively, seeking to understand rather than respond immediately. This promotes mutual understanding. Avoid Assumptions: Don't make assumptions based on stereotypes. Treat individuals as unique, respecting their individuality. Adapt Communication Style: Be flexible in your communication approach, considering the preferences and expectations of others. Ask Questions: Clarify when needed. Asking questions demonstrates your interest and willingness to learn. Non-verbal Cues: Be mindful of non-verbal cues, as they vary across cultures. Understand gestures, body language, and expressions. Respect Differences: Acknowledge and respect cultural differences, avoiding judgment or ethnocentrism. Language Sensitivity: Be conscious of language nuances. Avoid slang or idioms that may not translate well. Cultural Sensitivity Training: Consider participating in cultural sensitivity training to deepen your understanding and skills. Build Relationships: Cultivate relationships with people from different cultures, fostering mutual trust and understanding over time. #crossculturalcommunicationskills Dr.Shivani Sharma #communicationskills

In discussions about effective communication, there's a common misconception that proficiency in English is the sole measure of success. Let's broaden our perspective on this topic. Communication is about understanding and being understood, irrespective of language. Embracing linguistic diversity enriches interactions and fosters inclusivity in global workplaces. Key Components of Effective Communication: Clarity: Expressing ideas clearly is paramount, regardless of the language used. Active Listening: Effective communication involves active listening and understanding nuances beyond words. Empathy: Connecting on an emotional level transcends linguistic barriers and strengthens relationships. Cultural Sensitivity: Acknowledging cultural differences enhances communication effectiveness and avoids misunderstandings. Proficiency in multiple languages offers a competitive edge in today's interconnected world. It enables individuals to engage with diverse audiences and navigate cross-cultural interactions seamlessly. #CommunicationSkills #LanguageDiversity #Inclusion #GlobalWorkplace #LinkedInDiscussion

Language and culture go hand in hand. 🌍✨ Discover how accent reduction can bridge cultural gaps and enhance your communication skills. Join Accent Advisor today! 💬🗣️🇺🇸 #AccentReduction

🔍 New Blog Post: Benefits of Language Proficiency in Global Talent Acquisition In the global business landscape, effective communication is key. Our latest blog post examines the role of language skills in accessing and nurturing worldwide talent. Key Insights: 🔹 How language skills contribute to successful international hiring. 🔹The benefits for businesses that prioritise language proficiency. 🔹Practical tips for integrating language skills into your recruitment strategy. With straightforward analysis, our article highlights the tangible advantages of language proficiency in a global context. 👉 Discover how language skills can be a game-changer in your talent acquisition process. Link to the full article in the comments👇 #LanguageSkills #GlobalHiring #TalentAcquisition #BusinessCommunication

Do you have an accent? Are you in the top 50? The New Zealand accent has been named the most desirable in the world! Australia made it in the top 5! Accents have a unique way of captivating our hearts and minds. Check out the full list and let us know which accent you like best! What accent or language do you speak? Comment below 👇 #accent #sexyaccents #AustralianAccent

As anyone who has looked for a job can tell you, finding one isn’t the easiest process. This experience can be even more challenging if you’re new to a country and speak with what is perceived to be a “foreign” accent. An accent can often impact how we are viewed and judged by others. Despite being proficient in a second language, having an accent considered “foreign” can still feel like a barrier. At a time when more newcomers are coming to Canada and looking for jobs, it’s important to gain a deeper understanding of accent bias. Read more here: https://shorturl.at/YaeJ1