Linguist says ‘accentism’ must not be tolerated

PEOPLE WITH regional accents should be protected from “accentism” alongside the fight against racism, ageism and sexism because it makes them feel “fake” when they “posh up” while talking, it has been claimed.

Employers should state in writing that job applicants’ accents will not be used against them and application forms should request applicants to “state their accent” alongside other identities such as gender, sexual orientation, religion, age and race, according to Manchester University linguist Dr Alex Baratta.

Dr Baratta says accentism is the “last taboo” alongside discrimination on other grounds like colour or sex.

He added: “We should acknowledge that any form of workplace discrimination, to include accentism, should not be tolerated in a society which seeks to be more inclusive.

“This is why accentism should be taken seriously as a problem which affects many of us.

“Clearly most people modify their accent, not because they lack pride in it — quite the opposite in fact.

“It’s actually because they fear the negative perceptions others might have of them if they don’t, especially in work-related contexts.”

Dr Baratta, who is from Los Angeles, added: “My point is perfectly illustrated by an Ofsted inspector who last year told a Cumbrian teacher working in a Berkshire school to sound ‘more southern’.”