Whether it’s in the melodious lilt of a Southern drawl or the sharp staccato of a New Yorker’s rhythm, America’s linguistic tapestry is as rich and diverse as its people. But beneath the surface of these colourful tonal variations, a more complex and often disconcerting issue lurks – the hidden cost of having an accent.
For many non-native English speakers, an accent signifies more than just their linguistic background. It represents a potent reminder of their cultural heritage and the sacrifices they’ve made to forge a new life in the land of opportunities. But what happens when this hallmark of diversity becomes a barrier, a cause for unconscious bias, and a source of unintended socioeconomic consequences?
Perception bias and accents
The first hidden cost comes from perception bias. We like to believe that we’re an open-minded society, yet multiple studies show that individuals with heavy accents often face bias. Such bias can affect their employment opportunities, wage levels, and even the quality of service they receive in everyday situations.
A 2019 study, published in the Journal of Human Resources, demonstrated that employers tend to perceive people with foreign accents as having lower English proficiency, even when their grammar and vocabulary are flawless. This bias can translate into missed job opportunities, reduced career progression, and lower wages.
The mental strain
Another significant cost is the mental and emotional strain associated with “accent discrimination“. For many individuals, their accent is an integral part of their identity. When they’re repeatedly asked to repeat themselves, misunderstood, or even mocked, it can trigger feelings of frustration, self-doubt, and anxiety.
Moreover, the effort to “neutralize” one’s accent can lead to a unique form of linguistic and identity erasure. The pressure to conform to mainstream speech patterns can erode a significant aspect of an individual’s cultural heritage, creating a sense of loss and disconnection.
The economic toll
Besides the psychological strain and career barriers, there’s a tangible economic toll linked to having an accent. Non-native English speakers often invest in accent reduction courses to improve their employment prospects. These courses can be quite costly, with prices ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. The expenses often continue, with advanced courses or personal coaching to maintain and develop the new speech patterns.
On a societal level, the ‘cost of an accent’ can be seen in the underrepresentation of diverse voices in media, politics, and leadership roles. This underrepresentation feeds into the cycle of bias, as accents that aren’t frequently heard in positions of power or influence are more likely to be marginalized or stereotyped.
Finding the balance
Recognising these hidden costs doesn’t mean advocating for the elimination of accents. Rather, it’s about promoting an environment where every voice, regardless of its tone or cadence, is valued and heard. Efforts should be made at individual, corporate, and societal levels to reduce bias and enhance understanding.
Companies can provide training to minimise unconscious bias in their hiring processes. Schools can incorporate language diversity education in their curriculum. As individuals, we can strive to be more aware of our own biases and more accepting of the varied sounds of American English.
America’s strength lies in its diversity, and this includes linguistic diversity. By acknowledging and addressing the hidden costs of having an accent, we can begin to dismantle the barriers they often create, making way for a more inclusive, tolerant, and just society.
Othniel J. Hollingsworth is a linguist, cultural analyst, and writer, exploring the nuances of language and its impact on society. His cross-cultural experiences foster an in-depth understanding of the power of words and accents.
