In the ear of the beholder
-
Alexandra Besoi Setzer
Abstract
In the present study, we tested whether a foreign accent activated different stereotypes, depending on the listener. Here, we explore whether ethnicity of a rater affects the perceived intelligence of a doctor speaking English with a Chinese accent vs. a doctor speaking English with a standard Canadian accent. As predicted, the results show an interaction between the ethnicity of the rater and the accent of the doctor: Chinese Canadians attributed lower intelligence to a doctor speaking with a Chinese accent than with a standard accent and, conversely, English Canadians perceived both doctors to be highly intelligent – which is consistent with previous research. We finally discuss how these stereotypes might be related to bias and interpersonal relations.
Abstract
In the present study, we tested whether a foreign accent activated different stereotypes, depending on the listener. Here, we explore whether ethnicity of a rater affects the perceived intelligence of a doctor speaking English with a Chinese accent vs. a doctor speaking English with a standard Canadian accent. As predicted, the results show an interaction between the ethnicity of the rater and the accent of the doctor: Chinese Canadians attributed lower intelligence to a doctor speaking with a Chinese accent than with a standard accent and, conversely, English Canadians perceived both doctors to be highly intelligent – which is consistent with previous research. We finally discuss how these stereotypes might be related to bias and interpersonal relations.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgments vii
- The pragmatics of accents 1
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Part 1. Ideologies of accents in national contexts
- Attitudes to accents 19
- Urban youth accents in France 41
- Encountering accented others – and selves – in provincial Japan 63
- ‘Could I have an appointment for a viewing?’ 85
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Part 2. Accents in second language education teaching and learning
- The pragmatic force of second language accent in education 117
- A lack of phonological inherentness 141
- English-language attitudes and identities in Spain 163
-
Part 3. Accents in the media and the workplace
- From I’m the One That I Want to Kim’s Convenience 189
- Divine intervention 205
- In the ear of the beholder 229
-
Concluding remarks
- From sound to social meaning 247
- Index 263
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgments vii
- The pragmatics of accents 1
-
Part 1. Ideologies of accents in national contexts
- Attitudes to accents 19
- Urban youth accents in France 41
- Encountering accented others – and selves – in provincial Japan 63
- ‘Could I have an appointment for a viewing?’ 85
-
Part 2. Accents in second language education teaching and learning
- The pragmatic force of second language accent in education 117
- A lack of phonological inherentness 141
- English-language attitudes and identities in Spain 163
-
Part 3. Accents in the media and the workplace
- From I’m the One That I Want to Kim’s Convenience 189
- Divine intervention 205
- In the ear of the beholder 229
-
Concluding remarks
- From sound to social meaning 247
- Index 263
