Accents (Option Eight)

Accents: we all have one (or multiple if you're multi-lingual). Yeah, our jargon and our usage of grammar have a big impact on the way people perceive us, but our accents play an immense role as well. For example, most Americans view British accents as giving a person a more sophisticated air, while southern accents can make people seem less educated. 

I'm not here to preach that we should look past first impressions because everyone is special in their own way or whatever. Elementary school did enough of that, I'm sure. I'm here to express my views on language, and how I've seen it affect people.

From an evolutionary standpoint, our brains are literally hardwired to judge people within less than a second of meeting them. So in my views, there's no shame in automatically assuming less of a person because of the way they speak (hold the rage, keep reading). There is, however, immense shame in treating someone as less because of the way they speak. I've seen people who speak 'perfect' English be mocked because they have heavy accents, and it's infuriating.

Accents are so powerful that upon entering politics, past British prime ministers have exchanged their more casual British accents and jargon for those used in London (for the increased posh-points they provide). I know for a fact that often in the East, the ability to speak English with less of an accent can edge you out for a job application over a slightly more qualified applicant. I personally speak three languages, and at times- especially with the two Indian ones- I feel a bit odd because I can feel myself pronouncing words 'wrong.'

Personally, I find accents really cool. I find it really interesting when people accidentally slip a phrase from one language into another where it makes no sense. I know a lot of people who get embarrassed when they're made aware they're speaking with an accent, but it's really just a sign that they can speak more than one language. And honestly, that's a really cool thing to be able to do.