East End accents judged as being ‘less intelligent’

People who talk like they are from EastEnders or south Essex are often judged as being less intelligent and trustworthy, a new study suggests.

Nearly 200 young people from the South East were played 10-second clips of others from the region reading the same sentence aloud. University of Essex researchers found that workingclass accents were judged less intelligent, friendly or trustworthy. These judgments were harsher if the person was from Essex or East London.

“We live in a vicious cycle in which the most privileged speak with the most esteemed accent – and so are judged as the most competent and intelligent which helps them maintain their privilege,” said Dr Amanda Cole.