What are accents? It the way we stress on certain parts of speech including the rhythm of our speech pattern. It is something we all have. We do not hear it in our own speech but quick to discern it when others speak. It is like seeing clearly the mote in your brother’s eyes not seeing the even bigger one in your own eyes.
Many of us behave as though we do not speak with an accent. We go around feeling superior to those whose speech patterns are drastically different than our own and sometimes we treat these people as inferior. We sometimes erroneously link accents to a person’s level of intelligence. Not all accents are viewed as such. Accents that are European based receive such as French, German and Spanish (Spain) are some of the ones that are viewed differently. However if you are from India, El Salvador, Nigeria or some other so-called third world country, your accents sometimes determine how you will be treated.
If you are from a former British colony you would be familiar with the Queen’s English. This is the type of English that is understood to be neutral or accent-less and it is against this gold standard that all other English speaking nations are measured against. Anyone who learns English are expected to master this speech pattern.
Accents are part and parcel of who are as a people. Their roots go deep and particular to a cultural group and can be studied ad nauseum as to where and how it originated. It is part of our cultural heritage and no culture is superior to any other. Those in privileged positions of power have created structures in which they place themselves at the top of the food chain.
Canada is a multicultural, pluralistic society that embraces all cultures as equal and in fact encourages people to maintain their culture, language being one of them. We are a nation of many cultures, many languages and many accents. Most people have to learn English when they arrive but they will speak English within the context of their own accents. Our job is to recognize our difference and diversity and attune our ears and hearts to accepting differences. There is no other way. Here are 10 ways to be culturally sensitive to accents that are different:
- Be conscious of your own accent. You do have one.
- Be conscious that you are speaking to an intelligent adult who may not speak your first language and may be having some difficulties pronouncing some of the words
- Listen before you start asking pardon me, what, what with that dazed, glazed look in your eyes
- Try putting yourself in the person’s shoes and imagine yourself trying to speak Chinese or Spanish
- Be polite when asking for clarification or for the person to repeat by showing patience and respect
- Admit that you are having difficulty understanding and if it is important enough suggest an interpreter e.g. in a meeting, evidence etc.
- Ask the person to help you to understand and perhaps suggest if he or she would be more comfortable writing out the words you are having trouble with – some people can write perfect English but cannot speak the darn language.
- Sometimes it is not important to understand every word listen for context and you will be able to get the drift of the conversation.
- Speak to the person in a normal tone. Speaking louder will not help and see the person as an intelligent equal.
- Be present, open and send loving thoughts to the person. It helps the person to relax.
