ACCENT DISCRIMINATION

Accent discrimination refers to when you receive unfair treatment based on characteristics of your foreign native accent affecting the clarity of your standard English speaking and proficiency. There are many associations people make both consciously and subconsciously with a foreign accent. Accents can dramatically shape a person’s perception of you and is proven to have huge implications both entering and succeeding in the workforce and in business.

A foreign accent can unfortunately in many cases trigger negative stereotypes, significantly influence hiring decisions, leadership opportunities and most importantly – speaking to audiences. A foreign accent can reduce clarity and the ability to be understood to a substantial degree.

Management and leadership roles may be more increasingly difficult for people who have a particularly strong accent.

In social contexts, foreign accents can cause an individual to feel like an outsider in groups and among clear English speakers. Social and professional networking can be hindered by a protruding accent as people can perceive your accent and pronunciation then come to conclusion you are overall not enough for a certain “standard”.

The bottom line is a foreign accent can be a BIG LIABILITY. The good news is dramatic accent reduction is possible and fully achievable in record time. Accent reduction equals career acceleration – this has been proven time and time again.

Surveys and research have shown that many employees with a foreign accent have felt they have been left out for higher positions and advancements in their careers across multiple industries. It’s critical to note there are many jobs and roles absolutely require fluency in English skills. Some of these include roles in customer care, management, counselling, leadership, HR, tourism, academia and coaching.